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Pretty Connected Featured on The Look for Spring MakeUp Trends with Sue Devitt

Last month I shared with you my first segment on The Look for The Pulse Network which was all about spring fashion trends (watch it HERE), now I’m excited for the premiere of another segment I did on spring makeup!

Host, Maggie Rulli and I spent the afternoon at Sue Devitt’s headquarters playing with the line and talking spring makeup tricks and trends! Find out what I had to say and check me out on The Look.

Scroll to 1 minute, 50 seconds on the dial below to skip straight to my part or enjoy the whole segment!

Check out Jessie J’s Violent Lips!

Singer, Jessie J rocks Violent Lips

Singer-songwriter, Jessie J showed off her London pride during a recent performance on Britain’s Got Talent.

Check out her lips (not that you could miss them), they are awesome! She’s rocking the Union Jack pattern (available June 20th) from Violent Lips.

This is the first I’m hearing about Violent Lips –although the line seems anything but violent. Priced at $14.95 for a set of three, they offer a full range of cruelty-free, vegan lip tattoos in a variety of prints and colors that are FDA approved.

I’m definitely going to need to test them out, although I don’t think I can pull off a a flag of any sorts (except on the 4th of July). I have my eye on the Multi-Checkered and Red Polka!

For more information visit ViolentLips.com

It’s All In The Wand!

There have been some really great, innovative products to recently come onto the market. And I attribute their design and wands to making them so effective and user friendly. Here are some of my new favorites!

1. John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer ($9.99) – John Frieda’s International Creative Consultant and celebrity stylist, Harry Josh presented this product at an event I attended and shared a styling tip–putting hairspray on a toothbrushes then brushing it back to tame flyaways. Although thanks to the new Touch-up Flyaway Tamer, there’s a considerably easier and more convenient way to deal with flyaways (especially for us every-day folks). With similar packaging to a mascara, you just brush away the flyaways using the tamer wand and voila, they are slicked back! It’s not sticky or heavy, easy to apply and lasts for a few hours. It’s the perfect addition to my makeup case for any quick touch-ups I need throughout the day, especially in this heat!

2. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure ($6.99) – Sally Hansen has been blowing it out of the water with all of their new and very innovative launches this year (hello Crackle and Salon Effects!) and I’m all about their Complete Salon Manicure collection. It’s all 5 steps of a manicure (base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color and top coat) in 1 bottle. And it works! I’ve been rocking their Eel Skin shade (from their Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen spring line) for the past few weeks and my nails are noticeably stronger! It has a thick wand, which makes it surprisingly easier to apply and I can cover my entire nail with two swipes. And I Iove the coverage –2 coats to a perfect manicure. All that’s missing is the hand massage.

3. Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10) – I admit I don’t need this product. My lower lashes are actually quite long but there are plenty who do; including my 16-year old little sister, who wanted to try it. And who better to test how easy to use and how good this product is then a picky, opinionated beauty-obsessed teenager? I equipped her with a wand and she came out of the bathroom with long, perfectly separated lashes and

The Young and the Restless Launches Jabot

Tracey Bregman (aka Lauren Fenmore) the new face of Jabot

This is awesome! I mean seriously awesome! Emmy Award winning soap opera, “The Young and the Restless” today after being on air since 1973 brings Jabot to life! If you’re watching Y&R today you should know the discussions about launching Jabot on HSN are not fiction. Fusion Brands has struck a licensing deal with CBS Consumer Products and Sony Pictures Television to bring fans a full line of Jabot color cosmetics and skincare products.

The Young and The Restless hits a sentimental cord for me. I grew up on the soap opera. My grandmother falls into the classic immigrant story of turning to soap operas to help her learn English when she moved here. And by the time she did, she was a loyal fan. While I can’t attest to watching it regularly now, I do tune in once in a while (like today) to see what’s happening in Genoa City.

Y&R actress, Tracey Bregman (aka Lauren Fenmore) will appear as the face of the line and will host a HSN special for the collection on June 21 and 22. Ranging in price

The Sartorialist Partner’s with Kiehl’s for Father’s Day

Scott Schuman "The Sartorialist", Lara Eurdolian

The Sartorialist is one of my favorite fashion blogs. I mean how could it not be? Scott Schuman (aka ‘The Sartorialist’) is not only an amazing photographer, but basically pioneered the broadcasting of street fashion and turned photoblogging into art form.

For Father’s Day, he’s partnered with  skincare brand, Kiehl’s Since 1851 to shoot their Father’s Day campaign showcasing a series of images honoring the relationship between dad’s and their children. Scott also collaborated with the brand to create The Sartorialist for Kiehl’s Limited Edition Dopp Kit for Men ($55.50). The set features Scott’s must-haves from Kiehl’s and travel essentials and includes their Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash (2.5oz), Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment (2.5oz), Facial Fuel No-Shine Lip Balm (0.17oz), Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream White Eagle (2.5oz) and “Ultimate Man” Scrub Soap (3.2 oz ), packaged in a chic, functional travel case  (created by Italian fashion House Luca Roda!).

The Sartorialist for Kiehl’s Dopp Kit for Men

Recently, having the opportunity to meet with Scott, I had a few questions…

Tell me about the The Sartorialist for Kiehl’s Limited Edition Dopp Kit for Men and how you picked the products.

I felt very comfortable with Kiehl’s because it was a product I already used, so I knew what I wanted. It’s all based on how you travel. I designed the kit and I was asking Garance [Dore] to draw it out for me so of course she had her own design input. I hate when you just throw everything in a bag and you can’t find anything –like a women’s purse, so I put a lot of pockets in it so you could put things away. I like to put my cuflinks in them.

What was the part about working with Kiehl’s?

They kept sending me free products! That, and being able to celebrate dad’s and shoot that story. I was a stay-at-home dad for two years and I met a lot of dad’s that have a really great relationship with their kids and I really wanted to celebrate that.

What was the creative process for this campaign?

We did a casting and picked a certain amount dad’s, and then went to the park [Bleeker Street Park] that I go to with my kids all the time and I said ‘okay guys, just play. Don’t worry about me, don’t worry about the photographs. I’ll make you look good, you just have fun with your kids’.

What makes you smile?

My girlfriend Garance Dore and my little kids.

Now who’s taking pictures of who Scott?

 

Scott Schuman holding 'The Sartorialist for Kiehl’s Dopp Kit'

 

Looking very official interviewing The Sartorialist

 

My "I only have one more question for you" face

Okay fine, technically someone else took the pictures, but still!

The Sartorialist for Kiehl’s Limited Edition Dopp Kit for Men is available exclusively at the Kiehl’s New York Flagship store (109 Third Ave., NYC) and Kiehls.com

What am I wearing? Alice Roi red/white romper, Nicole Miller White Jacket, Vintage black belt, Jill Stuart white shoes

Disney Launches First Premium Collection

Disney's Imagination Collection

This month, Disney introduced Imagination, their first of three collections (the other two Magic and Pixie Dust will be available in the coming months) of premium fragrances, lotions and candles for the home. I know what you’re thinking, premium? I had the same confusion when I was invited to a sneak peak of the collections. I was expecting overly sweet scents, and I don’t know, princess packaging? And I wasn’t particularly clear on the ‘home’ element. I assumed they were for kids. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised with a very sophisticated yet nostalgic series of products geared for the whole family and designed to evoke memories and bring the magic of some of Disney’s most beloved characters and movies into your home.

Imagination, which is by far my favorite scent of the 3 lines, consists of a Candle ($19.50), Room Spray ($16.50), Lotion ($12.50) and Hand Wash ($12.50) and is inspired by the enchanted forest. Smells of sequoia trees, cool moss and green leaves it’s very clean and natural and literally

Taking time with NYC New York and Mathew Nigara (+ Win My Favorites!)

Win it! My favorite New York NYC products

As most of you may have noticed, I don’t shop very often at drug stores for makeup. My hang up is not being able to try the products first and I tend to miss when I’ve attempted –the lipstick shade I chose isn’t right or the concealor is too dark or I don’t like the consistency of the foundation… so ever since the days of Sephora, unless there’s something very specific I want to try, I tend shy away. However, I recently had the opportunity to meet with celebrity makeup artist, Mathew Nigara and play with the NYC New York Color line and I have to say I was impressed!

Although my time never intersected with Mathew’s,  we’re both old school NARS Cosmetics employees so I knew he’d let me be difficult and blunt about my expectations. I review based on quality of products, not price. Although I have to admit, every time I’d try a product, then hear the price I was floored. I mean for the price of one single eyes shadow from NARS ($23) I could get a nail polish ($2.49), lip stain ($4.99), lip gloss ($2.49), eye shadow set ($4.99), eye pencil ($1.99) from NYC New York Color…and still have change.

I asked Mathew’s his favorite product. “My favorite product undoubtedly is the new NYC New York Color Smooch Proof 16HR Lipstain.  They work so beautifully and the colors are universally flattering. I use them for subtle washes of color, saturated lip looks and even alone as lip liners sometimes. They are amazing”.

I would have to agree. In fact after spending the afternoon trying the different products (and then continuing the relationship at home), I’ve decided to give away 3 sets of all my favorite products to 3 lucky winners!

WIN THEM ALL!! My favorite NYC New York Color products are:

Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain ($4.99) – As Mathew mentioned you can build your color with them and the tip makes it incredibly easy to give an even application all over or as a lip liner. You can also build your color. My favorite shade is Forever Mine Wine.

Liquid Lipshine ($2.49) – I like to use these on top of the Lip Stain, they have a very smooth application and aren’t sticky and give that wet shiny tint to my lips. They are fragrant, which I’m not so into, for instance my favorite shade, Fashion Ave Fuchsia, smells like cotton candy, but it’s mild.

Expert Last Nail Polish ($2.49) – The nail polish dried quickly, had great, even coverage and great lasting power. I was very impressed by this new line and LOVE the Timeless Tangerine shade.

Smooth Skin Liquid Concealer ($3.99) – I use it under my eyes and it has an amazing brightening effect. It’s easy to apply and has a creamy texture that easily blends into skin. Plus it’s formulated with vitamins A, C, and E to help protect against the environmental damage.

IndividualEyes Custom Compact ($4.99) – This palette comes in a variety of colors based on eye shade, I use the ‘Smokey Browns’ kit and find it incredibly convenient. It’s compact and includes an eye primer, illuminator (which I like to use under my eyebrow to bring out my eyes) and four eyes hadow shades that can be used on their own or to smoke out your eyes. My only recommendation is use your own brushes. As with most compacts on the market, you won’t get very far with the one included. And great brushes can make all the difference.

Classic Brow/Liner Pencils ($0.99) – I can’t leave home without a black pencil under my eye. And while this one is slightly a harder tip then I prefer; I’m able to get right into my lash line with exact precision. And I like my black pencils dark, so the ‘Jet Black’ shade is perfect for me.

TO ENTER, LEAVE A COMMENT. Get creative and tell me why you’d like to win! Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing. TWO lucky winners will be chosen at random.

An additional winner will be chosen on twitter that follow me (@PCbeauty) and tweet this promotion using my twitter handle and the link to this promo (here’s a condensed link: http://bit.ly/lHZkAw)!

Official Rules:

  • The promotion begins on June 6th, and ends June 14rd at 11:59pm EST.
  • Two winners will be chosen at random that leave a valid comment, 1 winner will be chosen at random on twitter that is following @PCbeauty and tweets us the promotion using a direct link.
  • Winners will be selected by June 16th and contacted for their mailing information. If no response is given by June 20th, an alternate winner will be chosen.
  • No purchase necessary.
  • Open to residents of the U.S. only.
  • All federal, state and local laws apply.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored giveaway by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this post or host this giveaway.

Women’s Health Magazine Hosts 5th Annual Beauty Awards

Women’s Health Magazine’s June issue, which is now available on newsstands, features the winners of their 5th annual beauty awards. Combining readers, experts, and editor’s picks, the recipients span 28 categories across hair, makeup and skincare. For any of you that follow me on twitter (@PCbeauty), I gave you a sneak peak into the winners a few weeks ago at a special event Women’s Health hosted in celebration. The winners are also available on their website.

Regardless of my agreement on the products selected, it’s a really great opportunity to chat with their editors and my fellow bloggers about which products are our favorites and why. I love the ‘I would have chosen…’ or the ‘that is a great product but have you tried…’ and especially the ‘you liked the…? It did not work at all for me’ conversations. It really imprints the magic of beauty products and how impossible it is to pick a product that’s perfect for everyone. The best part about these awards is sparking that conversation and curiosity. As consumers, it inspires us to try something different or introduces us to a product we may have otherwise never have thought to purchase.

On a tactical level, I liked a lot of the Reader’s Picks. Many we’re no surprise –NARS Orgasm blush (also an Experts’ Pick), CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara (it’s always between this mascara, Maybelline Great Lash, Dior Show, and Lancome Definicils)… Others have been on my list due to their outstanding reputation (I’m looking at you Best Lipstick winner Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey) and

Kiehl’s Celebrates their 160th Anniversary in True NYC Fashion

New York-based skin care brand, Kiehl’s Since 1851 celebrated their 160th Anniversary last week across the street from their iconic flagship location on 13th and 3rd Avenue. While the rain was pouring outside, the stars we’re shining bright inside. Guests included Pharrell Williams, Susan Sarandon, Kevin Jonas, Alan Cummings, Richie Rich, Ana Matronic and Babydaddy of the Scissor Sisters and Leigh Lezark and Geordon Nicol of The Misshapes.

My lovely date Erika (who’s wedding I just got back from in Acapulco!) and I got there on the later side and the party was bumping! We had ourselves a little dance party, but didn’t hold a candle to Richie Rich. He decided to get up on stage and do an impromptu performance to Prince’s Raspberry Beret for us (this could be the best video ever–only thing missing, glitter!).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83ZejtMylpI&feature=channel_video_title

Kevin Jonas took a second from his phone conversation to blew us a kiss…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDPPs3stVFM

Then we concluded our night on one of Kiehl’s iconic motorcycles, where I thought we were taking pictures in a photo booth –even better, a flip book photo booth! Erika and I look insane. I love it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlcd_VMUcKE&feature=channel_video_title

If you’re in NYC check out the Kiehl’s Flagship Store at 109 Third Avenue. As part of their heritage project, they’ve included a brand-new installation of an interactive 160th Anniversary Retrospective at the store.  Cheers to you Kiehl’s for 160 years of great skin care products!

 

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Ignite Your Inner Playmate

Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair

This month, Hugh Hefner introduced Playboy’s 2011 Playmate of the Year, Clair Sinclair, who will grace the cover of the June issue. Winning this honor comes with a lot of perks and prizes, including a lifetime supply of Playboy Fragrances. While I do aspire to do many a things in my life; see the Northern Lights, be invited to the Met Gala, join a gym –and no, becoming a playmate is not one of them. However, being invited to a party at the Playboy Mansion is. Okay maybe not very high on the list, but secretly I would love to check out those digs.

So in honor of my little confession and igniting your inner playmate, I’m giving away a full set of the new Playboy Fragrances, which includes three scents, Play It Lovely (fresh fruity floral), Play It Sexy (sexy oriental), and Play It Spicy (sparkling floriental). Each Eau de Toilette is 30ml and retails for $17. The total value of the prize is $51, and winner gets all!

 

Win it! Playboy Fragrances

To enter leave a comment! Get creative. Tell me why you’d like to win, what you aspire to do or just make me laugh. Any (non-spam, happy) comment automatically enters you into the drawing.

An extra entry will be given if you follow me on twitter and tweet the giveaway using @PCbeauty in the tweet or are a fan of Pretty Connected on Facebook.