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Get the Look: Miami Fashion Week Swim with COVERGIRL

The great part about following Miami Fashion Week for Swim is even though we’re talking about collections launching in 2014, the beauty looks are both achievable and relevant now. No surprise the big trend from Mara Hoffman to VIX Paula Hermanny to all over the runway was bronzed, luminous, pretty skin with eyes that are anything from dramatic and smokey to just a simple black pencil with light shimmer opposite big lashes and a nude lip. Then for the cheeks we’re seeing either a more white highlighted shimmer or a warmer tone blush to make cheek bones pop.

COVERGIRL recently launched a whole slew of new products including their Flamed Out collection which includes a high volume Flamed Out Mascara, that offers full impact, high volume lashes (there’s also a water-resistant version available),  Shadow Pencils, which are great alone as a liner or can be blended to highlight, brighten, add a pop of color as a shadow, and the Shadow Pots which easily blend and are offered in a full range of 12 different powder shades that glitter and sparkly for a pretty highlighted effect.

Lara Eurdolian, COVERGIRL

Working with COVERGIRL and the GLAM Network to recreate one of the popular trends, I opted for a very wearable day look really bringing out the sun kissed, glowing skin which I think never goes out of style opposite a highlighted cheek bone and softer lip.

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

Screen Shot 2013-07-17 at 3.07.55 AM

Essie Summer 2013

Essie Summer 2013

Does your skin needs saving? Here’s how YOU can tell!

They call it the “the road to healthy skin” for a reason. Sure, it sounds like a funny way to phrase it, but perfect skin isn’t something that happens overnight. Hopefully you’ve been following my #HealthySkin series and instagram posts with Aveeno and the Glam Network. If not, a lot of the key points can be summed up by this quote by fellow AVEENO Ambassador and actress, Jennifer Aniston,“I’m always saying it – drink plenty of water.  Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – both inside and out, and this includes using AVEENO® Daily Moisturizing Lotion.  It hydrates my skin and makes it feel so soft.  Get plenty of sleep of course.  Also, exercise and eat healthy, well-balanced meals while still indulging and allowing yourself to have a treat.  And, always, always wear sun protection.”   

Aveeno

That’s the overview; a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle and skincare regimin will do wonders for your skin. However, most of us don’t know what we’re looking for; so here are some common signs that your skin needs rescuing:

Uneven skin tone and general dullness – You know when people talk about their skin glowing? Or rather if you don’t because your skin looks tired. If so, opt for a moisture-rich cleanser, like AVEENO Positively Radiant Cleanser that can

Friday, July 19th: The 2013 CEW Beauty Insider’s Choice Awards on QVC

QVC and CEW Beauty Award Show

We’ve covered the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) awards at length over the past year.  Considered one of the most prestigious honors in the beauty world, the winners are recognized for their most innovative products. Now the organization has partnered with QVC to present once again some of the most exciting and advanced beauty launches with a special “CEW Beauty Insider’s Choice Awards” broadcast on QVC.

Dove + StyleCaster #RestoreYourSenses Hamptons Retreat

DOVE

Lately, it’s been real busy. And by lately, I mean the last year+ of my life. So anything labeled as restorative or relaxing I’m all over. Especially if the invite is coming from Dove and StyleCaster complete with an all inclusive to trip to the Hamptons. I’m listening…

Battle of the Body Washes: Olay Vs. Dove

When talking about facial skincare products it seems like every other day a new ingredient or technology is unleashed. You see these ads for miraculous creams that fight the appearance of wrinkles, shrink your pores and every other fountain of youth claim. I don’t find that as common with body washes.  In fact it seems like body washes developed years ago are just as popular and celebrated today as when they were created. It’s also not a category where I’ve ever felt the luxury market has something so much better to offer then drugstore brands (especially for the price). This generalization is something I largely contribute to Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash.

It’s been a staple in my shower for years. It’s affordable, offers a great experience – clean smell, rich lather, and leaves my skin smooth and balanced. We look to body washes to cleanse, however some can strip your body of their natural body oils so it’s important to opt for moisturizing body washes that leave a layer of moisture to replenish any of the oils removed. Dove’s body wash features their NutriumMoisture, which is a rich blend of nutrients clinically proven to improve moisture by preserving both natural proteins and lipids. Considering that this fulfilled on everything I was looking for in a body wash even after testing out different shower products, I found myself going back to and recommending this one. Until now.

Recently I was challenged to try Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter. Boasting the formulation contains over one jar of Olay moisturizers, the product claims: It’s hydrating, soap-free formula offers superior cleansing and 2x the lather than the leading body wash while rinsing away cleanly.

After using this product for the past three weeks I can honestly say it delivered on all accounts. Immensely hydrating, it’s thicker and works up a much larger lather then Dove or other body washes (not that Dove’s isn’t latherful as well). Olay  definitely goes on heavier but rinses clean and makes skin touchably smooth within the first try and leaves skin hydrated throughout the day. By the end of the first week my skin was noticeably more soft and supple, especially around the knees and elbows, which are my trouble spots. If you have dry, flakey, skin, or tend to skip the step of moisturizers after your shower, I would highly recommend trying this product. I tend to gravitate towards clean smells, however I found Olay’s softer scent to be pleasant and nice for summer. Although my boyfriend found it a too feminine for his liking, but light enough of a fragrance to still use it.

Battle of the Body Washes: Olay Vs. Dove

Olay body wash vs. dove body wash

When talking about facial skincare products it seems like every other day a new ingredient or technology is unleashed. You see these ads for miraculous creams that fight the appearance of wrinkles, shrink your pores and every other fountain of youth claim. I don’t find that as common with body washes.  In fact it seems like body washes developed years ago are just as popular and celebrated today as when they were created. It’s also not a category where I’ve ever felt the luxury market has something so much better to offer then drugstore brands (especially for the price). This generalization is something I largely contribute to Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash.

It’s been a staple in my shower for years. It’s affordable, offers a great experience – clean smell, rich lather, and leaves my skin smooth and balanced. We look to body washes to cleanse, however some can strip your body of their natural body oils so it’s important to opt for moisturizing body washes that leave a layer of moisture to replenish any of the oils removed. Dove’s body wash features their NutriumMoisture, which is a rich blend of nutrients clinically proven to improve moisture by preserving both natural proteins and lipids. Considering that this fulfilled on everything I was looking for in a body wash even after testing out different shower products, I found myself going back to and recommending this one. Until now.

Recently I was challenged to try Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter. Boasting the formulation contains over one jar of Olay moisturizers, the product claims: It’s hydrating, soap-free formula offers superior cleansing and 2x the lather than the leading body wash while rinsing away cleanly.

After using this product for the past three weeks I can honestly say it delivered on all accounts. Immensely hydrating, it’s thicker and works up a much larger lather then Dove or other body washes (not that Dove’s isn’t latherful as well). Olay  definitely goes on heavier but rinses clean and makes skin touchably smooth within the first try and leaves skin hydrated throughout the day. By the end of the first week my skin was noticeably more soft and supple, especially around the knees and elbows, which are my trouble spots. If you have dry, flakey, skin, or tend to skip the step of moisturizers after your shower, I would highly recommend trying this product. I tend to gravitate towards clean smells, however I found Olay’s softer scent to be pleasant and nice for summer. Although my boyfriend found it a too feminine for his liking, but light enough of a fragrance to still use it.

Dove body wash, olay body wash

If you’re more normal to oily you could go either way between Dove and Olay. I still love the clean scent and lightness of Dove, it wakes me up in the mornings. Both have a soft, creamy texture that leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated. Olay just offers an extra layer of hydration, which come wintertime, will be so necessary.

Friday Freebies: Henri Bendel + Skyn Iceland Giveaway! ($300+ value)

This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Kellie Rose Wilson, @mirnarabbat (from instagram) and  Diane Redcay (from twitter)Henri Bendel, Skyn Iceland

Happy Friday friends! I had so much fun last month partnering with my favorite retailer, Henri Bendel and skincare brand, Skyn Iceland for our summer Calm Down and Cool Down’ event that we’re going to celebrate some of the highlighted products with a giveaway!

While Skyn Iceland has all the products you need to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated, there’s nothing quite like a weekend away to rejuvenate the soul. And where better to shop for those weekend essentials then Henri Bendel? So this week I’m giving away some key must-haves from both brands to keep you cool and chic all summer long.

One lucky grand prize winner will get a selection of Henri Bendel products (photographed above) including the Bendel’s Large Hanging Weekender Bag ($70), Bag Tag, Contact Case, and Pill Box as well as our 4 must have Skyn Iceland products for Summer: Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, Glacial Cleansing Cloths, Arctic Face Mist and ANTIDOTE Cooling Daily Lotion. The grand prize is valued at over $300!

Two additional winners will get a set of the four Skyn Iceland products ($119 value)! There are 4 ways to enter: Each option counts as a separate entry.

Sun Care = Skin Care

Sun protection

We’ve all heard that healthy skin begins from the inside out. And it’s important not to ignore everything in between (eat right, exercise, get plenty of zzz’s…). It’s what we put in our bodies, on top of it and the lifestyle choices we make that make the biggest impact on putting our best face forward. I covered a lot of these points in my Healthy Skin 101 post last week (if you missed it, click HERE). One of the biggest factor that is important to understand when it comes to caring for our skin is protecting it from the sun.

I get it, it’s finally beach weather and who doesn’t want to soak up these sun-filled summer months, sun bathe and be bronzed and beautiful! Unfortunately, that’s not a reality unless you want to slather yourself in SPF, wear a sun hat and then head home to douse yourself in self tanner or body bronzers. Besides the risks of skin cancer from overexposure to the sun, the stagering statistic that 90% of skin aging is a direct result of UV light exposure is nothing to ignore. So what’s the best anti-aging remedy? Staying out of the sun. What else can you do about it? Plenty.

1. Wear SPF. As an Aveeno ambassador I always have a healthy supply of SPF in all forms around the apartment. If radient, youthful skin is at all something you care about (you know it is!) make sure you’re wearing a minimum of an SPF 15 and the sunscreen has broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Don’t forget to reapply every 1-2 hours (this goes for any brand sunscreen). And

Getting Glossy with GLOSSYBOX

Dallas Shaw GLOSSYBOX

A light drizzle didn’t stop the beauty set from gathering at The Garden at The James New York for a summer beauty soirée with the leading luxury beauty subscription service, GLOSSYBOX. Guests sipped chilled white wine and noshed on mini sliders while perfecting their beauty regime. Women (and a few men of course) enjoyed an immersive beauty experience testing Davines’ hair oil, receiving a skin consultation from AMOREPACIFIC, and