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Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected Beauty Blog

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3 Days Birthday Extravaganza

A psychic once told me that come my 28th birthday I would have the first of seven great years ahead. As I get another year older… at least I have that.

Generally, my birthday is a one day festivity — I’m not one of those week long birthday people. Although ironically this year it turned into a 3-day affair.

Day 1: October 25th, or as I like to call it ‘happy last day of 27’

Dinner at Catch

My bestfriend couldn’t make it to my birthday since he was traveling, so he and some friends took me to dinner at CATCH. A frequenter told us that the main dishes had nothing on the appetizers so we ordered just about every starter on the menu (3 fold). The Crispy Fish and MRC roll are not to be missed!

Day 2: October 26th — my actual birthday

Serendipity's Frozen Hot Chocolate

For the first time in I don’t know how long I took the day completely off and besides getting my nails done, I spent a quiet day reading. It was kind of the best! Then at night the 8yr old girl in me from her first visit to NYC wanted the frozen hot chocolate from Serendipity’s, so my boyfriend took me. The food has gone down hill and yet still attracts a crowd. The 28yr old in me wasn’t nearly as impressed as the 8yr old version — apparently only one of us got better with age.

Day 2: October 27th — the birthday party

Birthday surprise! My mom
{Skirt: Nicole Miller, Top: Elizabeth and James, Glasses: Express}

This was the big day, I was expecting about 80-100 people which was slightly more stressful then anticipated. Although everything was coming together perfectly; My hair (which I have to thank Bumble and Bumble for, their new Straight line is divine!), the skirt borrowed from Nicole Miller’s showroom (which is incredible!), matched with a black Elizabeth and James halter top; and then to nerd things up a bit, I wore the faux-glasses Express gave me from a partnership we did earlier this year. And I had the festivities at my good friends table tennis club/bar, SPiN New York; which at 13,000 sq. feet is impossible to fill so at the very least worrying about space and fitting all of my guests wasn’t a concern.

Although the problem with parties that large is the ratio of friends trying to buy you drinks to what you can actually handle  boils down to big trouble. Which I got in — somewhere around my 5th jack and ginger I turn around and there is my mother! If I wasn’t so excited, I’d be horrified — she flew up from Boston to surprise me, and surprise me she did! It was perfect.

Then came the 3-day Halloween festivities and I am officially partied out! Good night New York, I love you.

Halloween How-To: Glam-pire!

Ever wonder how to get that perfectly creepy vampire look, complete with dropping blood down your lip? Check out this How-To by Make Up For Ever.

SKIN:

1) Start by mixing HD Microperfecting Primer #5 with a pale shade of HD Invisible Cover

Foundation and apply to the entire face.

2) Using the white shade from the Flash Color Palette, highlight the center of the forehead,

cheekbones and brow bone.

3) Sculpt the face using Eye Shadows #127 and #82 on the cheeks and temples.

4) Dust Star Powder #942 over the entire face.

EYES:

Rim the lash line using Aqua Eyes #0L in black, and then smudge the liner on the lids.

Apply Diamond Shadow #307 to the lids.

Sculpt the crease using Eye Shadows #76 and #139

Apply Faux Lash #209 and Smoky Lash Mascara in Black.

Finish by rimming the inner eye with Aqua Lip #8C to create a bloodshot effect.

LIPS:

1) Line the lips using Aqua Eyes #0L, and then add Rouge Artist Intense #42 on top.

2) Finish by highlighting the lips with Star Powder #902.

EFFECTS:

1) To create blood effects on the face, mix red lipstick and clear lip gloss together apply to

the mouth using a thin eyeliner brush. Apply as desired to other areas.

2) For veins, lightly draw tree branch looking lines using Aqua Eues #11L, then add

accents and discoloration using Aqua Eyes #12L and smudge to blue the lines. You can

use the veins on the inside of your arms as a reference.

If all else fails grab that cheapy white face powder from CVS and your best blood red lipstick and go wild! Just don’t forget the cold cream –hands down best way to get any type of excessive face paint off your face.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween: The Perfect Excuse to Quit Smoking?

Oh Don Draper, you smoker, you

Trick or treat? Both. I’ve plotted to trick my boyfriend into quitting smoking, which in return is the ultimate treat for me (and my skin). Whether it’s James Dean, Holly Golightly, or your favorite Mad Men character (ahem Don Draper), cigarettes make there way into many of our Halloween costumes. And rather then roll up a piece of paper and create a fake one, try a smokeless electronic cigarette like South Beach Smoke (prices start at $29.99) on for size.

It offers that nicotine fix without exposing yourself, or anyone else to carcinogens, tobacco or ash since you’re simply exhaling pure water vapor. And as a result there’s no tar, smell or yellow teeth in your horizon. Plus they are home and bar friendly, so you won’t have to miss a moment of your Halloween party.

To each there own, but if you’re thinking about quitting, why wait until New Years and take this opportunity to test it out? Good luck.

Disclaimer: A complimentary sample was sent to Pretty Connected to test out the effectiveness of the product and for consideration of a post. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Refinery29 Teams Up with Skyn Iclend (+Last Hurrah for BCA Month)

As October winds down there are quite a few promotions and partnerships that are only valid through the end of the month. First off fashion/beauty trend experts, Refinery29 have partnered with skincare brand, skyn ICELAND to bring us the Exclusive R29 Brighten Up Kit for $39 (retail value $90). Targeted to replenish, renew and brighten skin in 3 easy steps, the kit includes a deluxe-sixed Pure Cloud Cleanser, with 100%muslin cloth, deluxe-sized Pure Cloud Cream, full-sized Arctic Brightening Serum, and a reusable coated canvas skin ICELAND bag. Offer ends 11/1 and is is available on http://reserve.refinery29.com/offer/145/skyn-iceland

Also as Breast Cancer Awareness month comes to a close, there’s still a few days left to take advantage of the great products companies have created to raise money for research to irradiate this disease. Earlier this month I posted a more complete list of BCA products (click HERE if you missed that post). Additionally below are some highlights and a few new ones we’ve come across. Please note all the below offers below are valid through October 31st.

Aveda is bringing back their Limited-Edition Pink Ribbon Hand Relief offering $4 for every purchase to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to support cruelty-free research.

Dior launched their 4th annual Dior Online Auction with 100% of the proceeds to benefit Look Good Feel Better. Fans can visit www.diorauction.com to bid on items to support this cause in three categories: Luxe Trips, Elite Experiences and Lavish Products.

Stila – Get empowered in pink with Stila’s limited-edition Positive and Pretty Palette featuring four award-winning Eye Shadows, a Cheek Color and a Highlighter. A mirror is included for on-the-go application and a detailed face chart offers how-to tips and tricks. 10% of the proceeds will go to a variety of BCA charities including the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Price: $14 (a $62 value).

Cricket has created a limited edition link of Pink Power hair styling toolsincluding hair dryers and flat irons, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

Fergie Footwear AWARENESS Shoe ($79.99) – Created by Fergie herself to support Breast Cancer Awareness, the 4 inch hot pink sparkly pump put our office in an ordering frenzy (ho great do these look on our colleague, Yadi?). Available on www.fergieshoes.com, the company is donating $20,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in connection with this program.

 

ghd and Katy Perry Partner for the New Scarlet Collection Campaign

Katy Perry for ghd campaign, photographed by David La Chapelle

Hair Straightener, extraordinaire brand, ghd is partnering with Kate Perry again this season for their new Scarlet Collection Limited Edition. The Art-Deco inspired collection was photographed by the infamous, David La Chapelle (he also shot the previous Perry/ghd campaign), in a twisted, vampy fairytale scene, of which Perry portrays

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Glow with MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluo Night

MAKE UP FOR EVER Fluo Night

I have a rather humorous story to tell that sums up to MAKE UP FOR EVER new Fluo Night is a must-have for Halloween or in your makeup collection for any occasion that deems you in Ultraviolet light.

My story begins at 10am in the bathroom of my office smothering this translucent loose powder all over my lips and eyes, turning off the lights and waiting to glow in the dark. I didn’t. I put more on, turned the lights off…nothing. I missed the part about only glowing in the dark under black-lights. Naturally, I put makeup on over the light-weight powder and chalked it up to a failed product. A whole day of work, and several events later; 12 hours to be exact, I stopped by SPiN New York to finalize my birthday reservations only to get a lot of stares. NO ONE SAID ANYTHING! Finally some overly drunk table-tennis player nearly screamed while almost tripping over me to pick up a ping-pong ball asking, “what’s the matter with your face?”

What you'll look like if you use Fluo Night

Confused for a moment, I realized it was black-light ping-pong night at the club (what are the odds?), and my MAKE UP FOR EVER product doesn’t glow in darkness, it glows under UV lights! I ran back to my date and asked what was the matter with my face? He replied, ‘nothing, why?’, I grabbed his arm and moved us under the black-light lantern –‘What about now?’. When he was finally able to compose himself from the horrific laughter we snapped a few shots, and I left mortified. Really, what got me is the amount of staff and friends I ran into there and none of them told me. Although in all fairness, knowing that I’m an beauty blogger, they probably all assumed it was

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10/22: Teen Vogue Fashion University

On October 22nd (tomorrow!), join Teen Vogue online for their annual TEEN VOGUE Fashion University, which serves as an educational program where the business of fashion is taught by its leaders.  Hosted live from New York City, this exclusive event provides 500 young women who aspire to a career in the fashion industry the opportunity to learn from top designers, editors and fashion entrepreneurs, including Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Peter Som,  Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, and TEEN VOGUE’s EIC Amy Astley, among others.

This year, anyone not local can experience Fashion U. online!  Viewers will have the opportunity to watch the top six seminars from the October 22nd curriculum as they happen live from the Hudson Theater, and they can be viewed on demand whenever, wherever after the live event. Registration is open now at fashionu.fora.tv for $34.95.

As someone who went to ‘Fashion College‘ — I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), this type of exposure is huge! At best we’d get one honorary speaker during the semester, with Teen Vogue it’s a back to back line-up of industry favorites. Personally, I can’t wait for Jack and Lazaro from Proenza Schouler –I’m obsessed with them. It wasn’t until last year during fashion week when I got to meet and hear the duo speak of which I’m still inspired by.

Below is a peek at this year’s “curriculum,” and more information and a full list of seminars, and resources for aspiring fashionista’s looking to break into the industry visit teenvoguefashionuniversity.com

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Mark Your Calendars: NYC Happenings Starting Tonight!

There are so many fun NYC events happening in the next few weeks that are open to the public! And it all starts tonight so if you’re looking for something beauty-full to do, check out these events:

October 20th, 6-9pm, Shopping event and Fashion Show with Jill Zarin at Lord & Taylor, 5th Avenue at 39th Street — Intimates, 8th floor.  This is a Free event.

Jill Zarin — former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” published author, owner of Zarin Fabrics, now has a new line of shapewear and hosiery, Skweez Couture. Designed and developed by Jill with help from Triad Hosiery, the twenty-five-piece collection features seamless and cut and sew pieces, including briefs, shapers, leggings, tights and tanks. The designer herself will be on hand to assist customers in selecting the best possible garments for their figure.

October 20, 7-9pm- Dermalogica In-Store event at 110 Grand Street, NYC. Ticket price, $25 and available for purchase on GiltCity.com.

Skincare brand, Dermalogica’s in-store event with mini-treatments, appetizers, cocktails, gift bag and more! For more info visit GiltCity.com.

October 22nd, TEEN VOGUE Fashion University ONLINE, the only educational program where the business of fashion is taught by it’s leaders. Registration is open now at fashionu.fora.tv for $34.95.

Held annually in New York City, TEEN VOGUE Fashion University, provides young women who aspire to a career in the fashion industry the opportunity to learn from top designers, editors and fashion entrepreneurs, including Michael Kors, Alexander Wang, Jason Wu, Peter Som,  Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, and TEEN VOGUE’s EIC Amy Astley, among others. For more information and a full list of seminars, and resources for aspiring fashionista’s looking to break into the industry visit teenvoguefashionuniversity.com

October 24th, 7pm, The Place to Bee! at The Standard Hotel, Highline Ballroom 848 Washington Street. For more info and tickets ($100-$250) visit  https://www.clmp.org/bee

A Spelling Bee by some top literaries (yes, I know that’s not actually a word, but should be) to benefit the Council of Literary Magazines and Presses. Canapes ‘n Cocktails with a glamourous silent auction from the event sponsors including the Bowery Hotel, the Standard, DVF and Omesra and many more!

October 26th have a moment for me… it’s my birthday.

October 27th, 6-8pm, Meet Diane von Furstenburg and celebrate the launch of her new fragrance, Diane, at Sephora Soho, 555 Broadway. 

Guests who purchase DVF’s new fragrance, Diane will have the opportunity to meet the designer and have their fragrance autographed.

November 5th (10am-6pm) and 6th (11am-5pm), Lucky Shops, at the HIGHLINE STAGES, 440 West 15th Street, btw 9th and 10th Ave., NYC. Tickets range from $16-$27, with 15% off tickets when you use code PCbeauty at checkout and are available at luckyshopsny.eventbrite.com

Lucky Magazines, annual shopping event, Lucky Shops is back for it’s 8th year. Guests can enjoy cocktails and entertainment while shopping the racks of some of the hottest designers including Milly, Rebecca Minkoff, Yumi Kim, Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese, Foley + Corinna (and many more!) at 70% off. For more details and lineup of designers visit luckyshops.com

And don’t forget, Whole Foods Tribeca just launched their Wellness Club, which is focused on healthy eating and wellness training. Check out their website, they are offering a full schedule of cooking and wellness classes. Visit wholefoodsmarket.com for more information.

Last Night’s Parties, Places and Pictures: Nicole Miller, Bulgari, Ideeli, Carol’s Daughter

Getting in the Holiday spirit with Ideeli

Last night was one of those, I’m back in the game! nights, that remind you just why NY is so fabulous. The fashion, the crowd and all around entertainment of it all. I do love me my events, but I have been a hermit these past few weeks, living in my office and just trying to get organized with launching my company (sigh that sounds so adult) so at the chance of celebrating all my hard work and taking advantage of a full nights itinerary, I stepped back onto the scene at onto…

Sneak peek at Ideeli's sale

A holiday preview at discount designer sale website, Ideeli where I got a sneak peek at some exciting sales the site will be featuring between now and the holidays. Some of the many brands they are featuring at 40-80% off retail that we have to look forward to include: nOir (I’m obsessed with them), HeartBeats Headphones by Lady GaGa, ALEX & ANI, Betseyville, Juicy Couture, Laundry by Shelli Segal, John Varvatos Star, Ike Behar, Valentino scarves, KitchenAid and an assortment of fashionable must-have coffee table books. So if you haven’t signed up on Ideeli.com to be apart of their community yet, get too it!

Joanne King Herring book signing at Bulgari

Then off to Bulgari 5th Avenue location for a private event to celebrate the release of the infamous Texas socialite, Joanne King Herring (you know, the character Julia Roberts played in the movie Charlie Wilson’s War) new book, DIPLOMACY & DIAMONDS. While Joanne was doing a book signing, I was perusing the store drooling over just about everything I can’t afford, champagne glass in hand, with fellow blogger (and stellar date for the evening, Jonathan Valdaz of OJ&B). Everyone at the party was buzzing about the Studio 54 party that was going down later that night.

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TriBeCa Whole Foods Launches the Wellness Club to Promote Healthy Living

By Pretty Connected Contributor, Elizabeth Borenstein

Whole Foods is defiantly my go to grocery store when I am looking for food that I think is healthy. That said, I have a sneaking suspicion that the Indian hot bar station I usually beeline to is not the most energy producing, nourishing option. It can be hard to know what to pick up that is healthy and delicious and Whole Foods can feel overwhelming to navigate. For confused consumers like myself and health conscious neighborhood residents, Whole Foods is looking to add a whole new dimension in how to shop their grocery store. Starting this month, with a pilot program at their Tribeca location in NYC, Whole Foods CEO John Mackey introduces the Wellness Club. “Created by doctors, this program offers members a wide-ranging set of tools for a greater chance of sustaining a healthier lifestyle.” Mackey describes.

Whole Foods Bread Breaking Ceremony

I stopped by the TriBeCa store for a traditional bread breaking ceremony and cooking demonstration in the brand new wellness center to learn more about this new initiative and what it means for

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