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How to Get Makeup Stains Out

When it comes to my clothing, I’m very careful about NOT getting makeup stains on them; however, I recently received some lipstick samples and in a fit of excitement opened the cap and this fuchsia shade flung out of it’s packaging and ricocheted all over my white, antique fainting couch (I know, how does that even happen?). Only me… So when I received an email regarding an article from the May 2012 issue of ShopSmart magazine (the same publishers as the Consumer Reports), I wanted to share their advice to help you prevent and remove makeup stains and deodorant marks from your clothes, for all of you out there who have felt my pain at one point or another.

ShopSmart Tips for How to Get Makeup Stains Out:

  • Prevent a stain. It might look silly, but putting a polyester scarf over your head before pulling on a dress or top can prevent makeup and hairspray stains in the first place. It won’t muss your hair and it helps tight stuff slide on easily. Or spring for a reusable nylon makeup mask, which costs about $4 at most drugstores.
  • Nix deodorant marks. To remove those unsightly white streaks from your little black dress or other clothing before they set in, you can buy special texturized sponges made just for the job. Or grab that pair of ripped panty hose you were going to toss and use it to rub away the marks. No panty hose? Try a nylon sock or a used dryer sheet.
  • Sponge it up. The foam that often comes on hangers from the dry cleaner can also lift deodorant marks and foundation. Wrap the foam around a finger, then press and gently brush on the stain to lift it without smearing. Still there?
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Dinner with Harry Josh + What’s NEW at John Frieda


Harry Josh showing off the models stunning hair color (John Frieda's Precision Foam Colour)

If ever a man that could get you excited about hair… it’s Harry Josh. Hair stylist to the stars including Gweneth Paltrow, Katy Perry and Rose Bryne (he’s responsible for that amazing bob we all drooled over at the SAG Awards), Harry Josh is also the International Creative Consultant for John Frieda. And I love that! It takes someone constantly working with different hair consistencies and styles to really get to know what’s lacking in the market place and what can be improved.

{Harry Josh and the John Frieda team present the new products at the blogger dinner}

So as part of a special celebratory dinner of their latest product launches, John Frieda & Harry Josh hosted an intimate dinner for myself and fellow bloggers. And without further ado, here’s what’s new at  John Frieda:

First up, Frizz-Ease Sheer Solution ($9.99):

For all of you looking for a lightweight frizz reducer but get turned off by serums that are too greasy or weigh your hair down, get excited! This rendition of their existing Frizz-Ease serum, is specifically designed for fine to medium hair.

Part lightweight serum, part smoothing elixir this shake-to-activate dual formula is specifically designed to fight frizz and leave hair light and manageable whether you style straight, wavy, or curly.

I have long, wavy (I know it doesn’t appear that way in most of my pictures since I’m always straightening it) but it’s thin. So in theory this is meant for my hair type, however I have a lot of it — I have enough hair for small village. And because of this I fall somewhere in between this product and the original. For the time being, I like the how light it is and that it goes on towel-dried hair. Although, I can already tell come that come summer, I’ll need something heavier to fight my

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PC featured in Smashbox Lights, Camera, BB Video- You can be too! (+enter to win a years supply!)

Last week I gushed over Smashbox’s new Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (read my review HERE), and I’m so excited to be one of the featured bloggers for their  their BB Cream campaign! And that’s all good news for you, because we want you to be apart of it too! Smashbox is doing a fun interactive video to give you the in studio photo-shoot experience and the chance to win a year’s supply of BB Cream!

Here’s how it works: Starting April 2nd, go to Smashbox’s Facebook page (click HERE). Then on the “Lights, Camera BB Cream tab” simply upload 5 pictures of yourself and then your video will be made! You can then share it with your friends and get them to vote for you! Every week, the video with the most votes wins a year’s supply of BB Cream, plus more Smashbox faves. It’s so easy and literally takes 2 minutes to do.

As one of the featured bloggers, I got a sneak peek into the app, and made my video! Check it out below or you can view it HERE.

Now go out there and make your own! It’s so quick and easy (and fun!). Don’t forget to share your video with me. Leave a comment with the link or tweet it to me @PrettyConnected. xxLara

 

Virgin Atlantic Partners with bareMinerals to Create “Upper Class Red”

Pucker up Virgin Atlantic passengers, the airline is partnering with cosmetic brand, bareMinerals to produce an exclusive lip color shade “Upper Class”. The debut of this lip color will mark the launch of the airline’s redesigned Upper Class cabin which takes to the skies this month.

The airline has selected the award-winning makeup brand bareMinerals to develop the perfect lip product recreating the iconic ‘Virgin Atlantic Red’ – giving high-flying passengers the chance to experience the jet-set glamour and style synonymous with the airline’s distinctive cabin crew, who are known worldwide for their iconic red lips, suits and shoes.

“Red hot lips have always been a trademark of our cabin crew, signifying the strength and confidence they embody,” noted Rebecca Creer, Senior Spas and Grooming Manager at Virgin Atlantic Airways. “With the launch of ‘Upper Class Red’, one of Virgin Atlantic’s most iconic attributes is finally being made available to passengers. Meaning one swipe of this color is all you need to create a classic and timeless look – something our cabin crew can certainly vouch for!”

Now available, “Upper Class Red” will premiere on-board and in clubhouses at Heathrow, JFK and Gatwick and retail for $16.

Go behind the scenes with Mim Allgood, Virgin Atlantic’s Grooming Manager for an in depth look at getting Virgin Atlantic’s signature look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5wPOb_eskU

 

Smashbox Be Discovered Collection for Spring 2012

Smashbox Founder, Davis Factor introducing the "Be Discovered" Collection

Smashbox has blown it out of the water for their Spring 2012 “Be Discovered” collection and shade extension to their Be Legendary Lipstick range.

I was introduced to the Spring 2012 collection by Smashbox Founder + Photographer, Davis Factor, and their Global Pro Lead Artist, Lori Taylor, who we’re beaming with excitement over the new Smashbox packaging and new lipstick formula for the Be Legendary line.

After playing around with the collection over the past few weeks, I can understand why! The Spring 2012 collection consists of the “Be Discovered” Eyeshadow Palette, Cream Blush Trio (2 shades), Jet Set Eyeliner & Brush Set (2 shades), and 3 new Be Legendary lipstick shades including Pink Petal, Honey and Melondrama.

{The Spring 2012 Be Discovered Collection}

Smashbox Be Discovered Eyeshadow Palette ($44)

The “Be Discovered” Eyeshadow Palette, it’s a great mix of 8 richly pigmented neutrals and pastel shades, perfect for spring. The formula is silky (plus it’s crease-resistant!) and goes on so smooth that it’s incredibly easy to apply, even with your fingers (although I do suggest brushes). Check out Lori and her how to tutorial on how to get a pretty spring look using this palette.

Smashbox Be Discovered Cream Blush Trio ($29)

If you avoid blushes (powder or cream based), because you find them to be too cakey then you need to try the Be Discovered Cream Blush Trio. It comes in two shades, In Lights an Show Biz which can be worn alone or the trio shades can be mixed together. Show Biz made me re-fall in love with blush. It’s so easy to apply and blend, it’s genius! I start with the pink shade on my cheekbone and then start working the highlighter shade and it’s like you can’t miss! It’s so easy to darken and lighten to the perfect shade and get anything from just a light pinched cheek to a stronger blush look.

Smashbox Be Discovered Jet Set Eyeliner & Brush Set ($22)

I’ll admit I’m not the biggest cream or gel eyeliner fan that’s not an eyeshadow, mainly because I find pencils easier to apply and I’m always on the go and pencils easier to carry. That said, creams are easier for a smokey eye look or thicker line along my eyelid and the curve of the brush in this set makes it glide so perfectly that it makes it easy to keep control and get a

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Mark Your Calendar: Events from A|X, Dior + Harper’s Bazaar, Mally, Cynthia Rowley + Amika, and Spa Week

What: Shop the A|X Armani Exchange PopDown. Womens Styles Only
When: March 19th – April 20th, from 9:00am – 9:30pm
Where: A|X Flatiron Store. 129 5th Avenue (at 20th St.), Lower Level

Starting March 19th, A|X Armani Exchange will launch its first-ever A|X PopDown Shop at the Flatiron store. With all items marked at 40% off, the new A|X PopDown Shop is an exclusive women’s only private sale that will serve as an underground hotspot featuring some of the most stylish A|X wear-now pieces, including dresses, denim, accessories and outerwear.

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What: Meet with a Dior Beauty Consultant to determine your new Dior beauty look, and the complementary makeup products.
When: March 21-31
Where: The Dior counter at participating Macy’s nationwide

Harper’s Bazaar and Dior launch a new program that makes it easy for readers to update their look for spring. From March 21-31, women can meet with a Dior Beauty Consultant at participating Macy’s nationwide, to discover their new look, get beauty tips and expert makeup tricks. To sign up and find the next available appointment nearest you, go to bazaarconnect.com.

On Bazaar Connect, readers can also experience the rich history that Dior and Harper’s Bazaar have shared since Dior’s debut of the ever-iconic New Look in 1947, with videos, illustrations, slideshows, product recommendations, and more.

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What:    Join The Powder Group and Michael Duenas, Founder of Hair Room Service for Hair Styling Education.
When:   March 24th
Where: Make Up For Ever studio, 8 East 12th Street, NYC, NY 10035

COST:$45 for TPG Pro members for all each class, $65 for non-members

*Product is supplied for use in the program. A product gift from Schwarzkopf will be provided to all attendees.

Hair Room Service founder Michael Dueñas will be presenting two amazing events this month in NYC – Building Your Basic Hair Kit and On Set Hair Styling!

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS:

Building Your Basic Hair Kit 03/24/2012 12:00pm – 2:00pm

Having at least a basic understanding of hair is essential for many makeup artists working today. In this first time seminar celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas demystifies the many tools and products of professional hairstylist and makes it easy for beginners to understand what they need to form the foundations of a basic styling kit if they are looking to add styling to their resume.

On Set Hair Styling For Every Artist 03/24/2012 3:00pm – 5:00pm

As budgets tighten and the makeup market becomes more saturated, building a skill set that differentiates you from other makeup artists is necessary. In this seminar celebrity hairstylist Michael Dueñas takes you through some basic on set styling that works for bridal, editorial or any area of the industry. From understanding a blowout to a simple up-do Michael teaches you the techniques that have him working with celebrities including, Kim Cattrall, Lady Gaga, the cast of Glee and Padma Lakshmi. To register for our hairstyling events click here or email [email protected]

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What: Join Mally at Henri Bendel
When: March 29th, 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Henri Bendel – 712 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

 The ultimate girl’s night out, Mally is hosting a Master Class, where she will be spilling all her secrets and sharing her must have beauty products!

Private One-On-One Sessions: 10am-6pm
• Hour-long private lesson with Mally
• $500 fee, completely redeemable in product
• Consumers should book appointments via [email protected]

Master Class: 6pm-7pm
• Hour-long class hosted by Mally, revealing her tips and tricks
• $75 fee redeemable in product
• Consumers should book appointments via [email protected]

Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/389683644394075/

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What: Meet Cynthia Rowley at Sephora
When: March 31st, 12 pm – 6 pm styling// PA with Cynthia Rowley starting at 3pm
Where: Sephora Meatpacking – New York, NY 10014

Meet New York City designer Cynthia Rowley and celebrate the launch of the Amika X Cynthia Rowley Styler, a limited-edition tool designed by Cynthia Rowley, featuring an exuberant floral design straight from her Spring 2012 runway collection.

After meeting Cynthia Rowley for the first time at her show this season, I can attest this is an event not to be missed! If you’re a fan of her clothes, you’ll LOVE the designer behind her namesake brand.

Get your hair styled by the Amika team, meet Cynthia Rowley, plus enter to win a dress from Cynthia’s spring collection (no purchase required). The raffle will be held at the event. Winner must be present at the time of the drawing to win.

Space is limited. Speak to a consultant to book your appointment.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/events/376339405723209/

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What: Spa Week! Booking starts now for $50 Treatments on spaweek.com.
When: April 16 – 22nd

Where: Salons and Spas nationwide in the US and Toronto

Spa Week booking has begun! The list of participating spas and their $50 treatments is now live on spaweek.com. It is recommended for consumers to book ASAP, as many spas book up within just a few days.

Spa Week is celebrating its 16th edition of delivering the spa and wellness lifestyle to millions, and the nation is ready to SPA-rty. Famous for biannual $50 spa treatments since 2004, Spa Week has proven that they only get better with age. It was born in NYC with just a few spas, and in just 16 Spa Weeks they have brought their week of spa and wellness to hundreds of spas in just about every major city across the US and Toronto, helming as the most popular spa marketing event in the country.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTBijJVZeOY

 

 

 

 

PC Backstage at The Blonds Fall 2012 Show + Hair & Makeup How-To

Looking back at New York Fashion Week (which ended last month), I need to take a moment to share how exceptional it was concluding the festivities by going backstage to The Blonds Fall 2012 show. The Blonds has been a show that I have sadly missed in preview years due to conflict issues or logistics but never again! It was such a scene and the energy was electrifying. Backstage to the audience outfits to the actual show was beyond an experience!

I was going to make the backstage and show 1 post, but there’s too much amazingness to cover so I’m putting it in two separate ones.

 

A GLIMPSE BACKSTAGE:

THE HAIR –ahem blond ponytail wigs coming out of helmets!!

The Blonds hair was done by lead stylist, Laurent Philippon for Bumble and Bumble

Inspiration: Biker chicks and Johnny Depp in Cry Baby

Styling Methods: For guys: Wet hair with Thickening Hairspray and blowdry. Warm up Sumowax and apply all over the head. Style as needed to create a swoosh in front.

For girls: Create a wig wrap by spraying hair down with Prep then wrapping hair in sections around the head using Bb.Gel. Pin hair so it lays flat around the crown. Put on a wig cap and put on the helmet. Did I mention the wig was steamed to keep hair perfect?

Bumble and Bumble products used: Thickening Hairspray, Sumowax, Prep, Bb.Gel

{Phillipe Blond, founder and head designer for The Blonds backstage getting her hair done by Laurent Philippon}

{Backstage with it model Sebastien Suave — he showed me his Nintendo belt buckle. Jealous?}

THE NAILS! The team spent 130 hours on them!!!

The Blonds hair was done by lead stylist, Kristina Estabrooks for CND.  She and her team spent 130 hours hand detailing biker babe manicures. No nail set was alike – crystals, glitter, leather, Phillipe Blond faces, crushed glass shards and acid washed denim designs were just a few of the styles to grace the runway. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MAKEUP! Look at this incredible green cat eye!

I’ll just let you read off the MAC Cosmetics face chart to see the products used:

Nivea (& Rebecca Romign + Jerry O’Connell) Wants You to Get Physical

Rebecca and Jerry get physical on stage

In a world where we use email to catch up, text instead of conversations and watch as online dating replaces any form of ‘love at first live sight’, NIVEA acknowledges the importance of human touch and is on a crusade to take it back!

Launching a Million Moments of Touch Movement, NIVEA has partnered with Lifechangers expert Dr. Drew and celebrity couple Jerry O’Connell and Rebecca Romijn to kick-off this year-long program that aims to take back kissing, hugging and touching one again.

While Dr. Drew presented some interesting  facts on how we’re starved for affection (did you know we do touch our cell phones more than we touch a loved one?), out came Rebecca Romign and Jerry O’Connell showing the room just why affection is so important and more fulfilling than any computer or smart phone could ever be. Talking about how much they miss each other when they are apart, and how they incorporate a weekly date night into their routine (sans kids) they reminded us not to lose sight of the importance and joy physical interaction plays in our life. I was ready to kiss them both.

Lifechangers expert Dr. Drew

Some interesting stats NIVEA discovered on the road to launching their Million Moments of Touch campaign:

·         Nearly equal percentages of women (74.5%) and men (74.4%) agree that Americans are in a state of “skin hunger,” a desire for more touch and human connection than they

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Get the Look: Backstage at Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 + Sneak Peek at Her Band-Aids

Cynthia Rowley with her signature Band-Aid's

I am such a fan of Cynthia Rowley from her apparel to Band-Aid collaboration and now her as a person! Minutes before her Fall 2012 show Cynthia Rowley took a break from putting the finishing touches on her show to talk to a few special bloggers *inhale* myself included. And instead of being stressed and in need of a sedative, she was cool and collected and just excited. She talked about the music and the intricate hair style designed for the models and how all the pieces went together support the theme of craftsmanship which was the inspiration for her show.

I’ve never felt so welcome or had as much fun backstage at a show. Generally, I’m in and out, just there to interview the beauty sponsors, however this was no ordinary backstage…

As some of you know after going nut-so over the Cynthia Rowley BAND-AID’s they asked me to be a blogger ambassador last year for the collection! At that time they we’re limited edition, however due to the enormous success and popularity, the duo are collaborating again! And as part of the celebration, BAND-AID hosted a backstage lounge at the show and gave guests a sneak peek at the new collaboration, the BAND-AID Brand Beach Sport Kit. The kit ($10) which will launch May 2012 includes 20 newly designed bandages, 4 NEOSPORIN single use packets, and resealable plastic pouch to hold your beach essentials (and big enough to hold and protect your cell phone!).

Cynthia Rowley Fall 2012 Collection

So I hung out, made friends (that where I met my new bff Jenni from ISpyDIY!), and was all around blown away by the texture and craftsmanship that went into the hair created by amika. In contrast, MAKE UP FOR EVER did a nude and natural makeup application to balance the look.

GET THE LOOK! Here’s how to recreate the show’s  hair and makeup:

Hair Lead Stylist: Duffy for amika

Hair Look: Autumnal Texture

Inspiration: “Cynthia and I wanted the hair to play with texture for the hair look. The clothes this season are so structured we wanted to contrast that with the hair. The idea of this look was for it to be free flowing; there is no beginning and no end.” – Duffy

How Duffy created the hair look:

1. Mouse was applied to the hair and it was rough dryed with the amika NRG Professional Hair Dryer

2. A figure-eight technique was used (around the crown of the head) which was created by  pinning the hair around bobby pins

3. The figure-eight shape was sealed in with heat from the amika x Cynthia Rowley styler

4. Tight curls were created using a hot rod

5. The hair was  then dragged out and brushed to create volume

6. Pieces were pulled and pinned

Since each girl’s hair was different Duffy selected the final style based on each individual girl, their personality and the clothes they looks they were modeling.

Makeup Lead Stylist: MAKE UP FOR EVER ALLIANCE artist, Lottie

Makeup Look/Inspiration: The look was inspired by the women of the 40s – effortlessly natural, empowered, and clean. The skin had a dewy finish with supple bare lips. To add a slightly masculine edge, Lottie groomed the brows creating a full and fluffy appearance.

How Lottie created the makeup look:

Complexion: Lottie first mixed MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Foundation with MAKE UP FOR EVER Uplight #12. She applied this mixture all over, which gave the models a flawless dewy canvas. To finish the look and set the make up, she used MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder.

Brows: Lottie brushed the brows upwards to create a fluffy appearance. For added fullness, she filled in individual hairs with MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Pencil and MAKE UP FOR EVER Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector. The brows were then kept in place using MAKE UP FOR EVER Brow Seal.

Lips: The lips were supple and hydrated with MAKE UP FOR EVER Moisturizing Lip Balm.

{SMASH star, Megan Hilty Backstage at Cynthia Rowley}

{Backstage with Jenni of ISpyDIY}

Valentino Introduces a New Fragrance for Her: Valentina

In a recent visit to the Valentino showroom, I met Valentina. Or rather, I should say experienced Valentina as she is a fragrance, not a person. Taking the journey through 3 rooms; Valentino’s Spring collection, the Valentina advertising campaign, followed by an introduction of the formula by the perfumers, gave me a much deeper understanding and connection to the Eau de Parfum.

“I just women to feel beautiful”, Valentino’s very essence and foundation for the House of Valentino translated into a fragrance. Keeping elements of couture he used his iconic flowers to adorn the bottle. A unique floral oriental, this fragrance is feminine and delicate while still exuding strength and confidence, much like the women Valentino embodies in the ad campaign featuring model, Freja Beha Erichsen.

Freja has that edge and uniqueness to her, and yet when looking at her their this underlying innocence that makes her perfect for the face of Valentina. The advertisement depicts her as an heiress/socialite being called down to her  elaborate 21st birthday party but is sneaking out to soak in the streets of Rome and create her own adventure.

After two years of development, Valentina came to fruition with the help of perfumers Alberto Morillas and Olivier Cresp. Composing a fresh floral oriental which is inspired by the streets of Rome and the scents in the air, many of the notes are authentic to Italy. The heart of the fragrance is orange blossoms, jasmine tuberose and wild strawberries mixed with top notes of bergamot from Calabria and white truffles from Alba, which settle on the base notes of cedar, vanilla and amber. This is the first fragrance to use white truffles in it, and it adds a soft quality to this very unique and original fragrance.  Masked in a vintage italiana perfume bottle, I’m so happy to have this fragrance in my collection and have been wearing it everyday. It’s whimsical essence is feminine without being too sweet or overpowering and just a lovely day fragrance that’s perfect for spring.


{Valentino Spring Collection}

Valentino ‘Valentina‘ Eau de Parfum (2.7oz/$108, 1.7oz/$80) is available at fine retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Nordstom.

DISCLAIMER: A complimentary sample was given to Pretty Connected in a gift bag for the products launch. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

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