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Celebrating World Oceans Day with La Mer and Oceana

Inside World Oceans Day with La Mer

In honor of World Oceans Day 2011, luxury skincare brand, La Mer donated $200,000 to Oceana, the world’s largest international ocean advocacy organization to help protect and raise awareness for our water systems. Additionally, La Mer partnered with Soundwalk, the international collective that offers audio tours, by creating the Seven Seas Sound Mix; an iPhone and iPad application featuring interviews with seven notable ocean enthusiasts, (leading solo sailor Samantha Davies; adventurer/environmentalist David de Rothschild of the Plastiki expedition; actress/director, Melanie Laurant; actor Liu Ye; actress Rinko Kikuchi; designer Philippe Starck; and world champion free diver Guillaume Nery), who describe their love for the sea and offer an exploratory experience though seven different bodies of water.

Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder

I was pleased although not completely surprised that Vampire Diaries’ Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder (appearing in quite the spiffy hat) were there. As I learned from his speech at The First Amendment Party in DC, Ian is quite the environmentalist! (He even has his own foundation: http://www.isfoundation.com/).

In true La Mer fashion, it was an elegant affair, and just the excuse I needed to put on a cocktail dress and bare the rain… again (enough with the rain already!). Hosted at Affirmation Arts, the space was a cocktail party meets art exhibit with images of the seven featured environmentalists hanging on the surrounding walls. Unique but unbelievably tasty hors d’oeuvres were served (it was very sashimi meets raw vegetables health heavenly-ness) –with the ever so appreciated complimentary handsome, male wait staff.

Additional guests in attendance included Molly Sims, Kerry Washington, Theodora Richards, Rachel Roy, and Nora Zehetner.

Nora Zehetner and Kerry Washington
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder
Molly Sims

Curel Launches Itch Defense Lotion for Dry, Itchy Skin

Eczema-prone individuals and itchy skin victims take note! Curel wants to help you fight the battle with the launch of their newly reformulated Itch Defense Lotion for Dry, Itchy Skin ($7.99/13 fl oz).

I met with members of the Curel team, as well as dermatologist Dr. Sapna Westley, and Julie Block, a representative from the National Eczema Association to learn more about the formula; but before I can even get into the product, I just need to take a moment to say how effected I was by their presentation. I don’t have eczema, but I remember being a kid and having dry, itchy skin on the inside of my thighs. It was so agonizing and would keep me up at night so I can sympathize. I was fortunate enough to grow out of it, but so many are not as lucky. I watch this video on some real-life patients talking about how this condition has impacted their life and I kept thinking about what it would be like to be at a job interview or just suddenly out in public and feeling like your skin was on fire. What these kids (and adults) and their families go through is so much. My heart completely sank.

However, on a more optimistic note, I was delighted to learn about the National Eczema Association (NEA). They are an incredible resource for anyone with Eczema and their families and are

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Wella Professionals Launches Flagship Salon at Pipino 57 in NYC

Lara Eurdolian (me!), Rebecca Romijn

Model and actress, Rebecca Romijn and celebrity hairstylist Ric Pipino hosted the opening of Wella Professionals first North American flagship salon at Pipino 57 and the launch of Wella’s new product line in New York City.

I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t know nearly enough about Ric Pipino when I received the invitation (aside from his Pipino salon in Nolita somewhere –which I’ve been meaning to try). The cool factor of the new salon alone and that it carries the Wella Professionals line (not to mention Ric Pipino’s celebrity clientele, runway work and unbeknownst to me he has a signature hair line, Revolution In Cut) has me so excited to go back and try both locations.

The grand opening attracted the likes of Bridget Moynahan, Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl), Leigh Lezark (from The Misshapes), Alison Brie (Mad Men), and Fern Mallis (the originator of New York Fashion Week!). And while everyone showed up looking fabulous –Kelly Rutherford is as effortlessly chic in person as she is on Gossip Girl (the photos don’t do her justice). And as much as I’m not into all that Hills/City stuff, I have to say Whitney Port is stunning, and the girl can dress! Meanwhile I got caught in the rain and my hair couldn’t have looked more tragic if I tried.

Ric Pipino, Kelly Rutherford
Whitney Port looking very stylish!
Kelly Rutherford, Lara Eurdolian
Leigh Lazark, Lara Eurdolian

Fun fact! I caught up with Leigh Lazark at the event who shared that she became a fan of the Wella line when she was traveling in Ukraine and was coloring her own hair. Turns out she’s

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Ladies Fragrance Has Bieber Fever

Someday by Just Bieber Fragrance

WWD reported this morning that Justin Bieber will be launching a, wait for it… women’s prestige fragrance! And what does the 17 year old pop sensation know about lady scents? Does it matter? He knows a lot about the epidemic thats been sweeping the country (ahem “countries”) — Bieber fever. He was quoted saying, “Let’s be real, the way a girl smells is very important to a guy! I have such a deep connection with my fans, so creating a fragrance that I personally love is another way I can bring them closer to my world”.

And we all know there are plenty of girls out there that want to be in his “world”, so it will likely be a huge hit no matter what it smells like. The good news is (as if the excitement over

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James Vincent Presents The Makeup Show 2011 in NYC

If you’re in the beauty world or aspire to be a makeup artist you by now you should know about The Makeup Show. And if you don’t, visit their website right now! Now in their 6th year, The Makeup Show is a two-day exhibition that takes place in NY, LA, Chicago and Europe, and exposes guests to some of the top artists, brands, workshops, seminars and is the best go-to resource for how to get started in this industry. It’s also one of the only times top brands, including NARS Cosmetics, MAKE UP FOR EVER, YSL, Stila… will offer their products at a discount (it’s a good time to stock up).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbqgPCE9FCU

Last night, James Vincent, the Director of Education and Artist Relations for The Makeup Show hosted a blogger preview party, and gave us bloggers some fun goodies to try. He also introduced The Makeup Show and it’s importance to makeup artists everywhere (watch the video above). The only item in the gift bag I’ve tried thus far is MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Aqua Liner, which I’m currently having a love affair with. I received a few samples from them last week and all I can say is if you’re  a liquid liner fan this is a must-try! It’s so easy to use and waterproof. This liner got me through all the beaches and pools in Acapulco. And now that I’m back in NY, and it’s raining buckets, but my eyeliner is staying put!

Following the blogger preview party, The Makeup Show hosted a makeup art exhibition, “New York Groove, A Gallery of Makeup Art”. MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Creative & Artistic Director Dany Sanz took the cake in the performance and live art she developed. Sanz created three different looks (in human marionette form); a Ballerina, a Rockette and a Chorus Line dancer. Now much more NY can you get? Check out the performance!

The Make Up Show NYC – May 15 – May 16th at the Metropolitan Pavilion – 125 West 18th Street

For more information visit themakeupshow.com

Pretty Connected Featured on The Look on TPN

Behind the scenes with Maggie Rulli

A few weeks ago, The Look, a new show on The Pulse Network, asked to interview me for a fashion and beauty segment. Hosted by the fabulous Maggie Rulli, The Look, is all about helping women be their most fabulous self by going behind the scenes and interviewing experts in health, beauty/skincare and the fashion industry.

The first of my two segments just aired! So here’s me talking spring fashion trends!

So what’s spring all about? 70’s, 70’s, 70’s. From the maxi dresses to high wasted pants the 70’s are what’s hot for right now. Platform shoes, cork and wood wedges. Well what am I still writing about, watch the segment! It’s all in there.

 

 

Mom’s Beauty Favorites

Family picture

Being an incredibly stubborn child the saying, ‘Mom knows best’ was something I would rarely admit to (even when she was right), with the exception of when it came to beauty products. She used brown liners on her lips back when the only options were eye pencils, traveled to the middle-eastern markets for those black eye pencils before Carrie made us want to try them in Sex and the City 2, and she has a keen ability to feel a formula and within seconds tell if it’s worth trying. Frankly, when it comes to my love for this industry, she’s where I get it from. So in honor of Mother’s Day (sure I’m a little late –but then again I’m writing from Mexico where Mother’s Day isn’t until tomorrow, so you can cut me some slack), here are Mom’s favorites and why!

  • Dr Hauschka Creme de Jour (daily moisturizing lotion) and Rose Day Cream – “I’ve been using these products for years and no matter what new products I try I always go back. It quickly absorbs into my skin and leaves it hydrated all day. The smell is clean and Divine. It’s been my absolute favorite for a long, long time.”
  • Living Proof Full Shampoo and Full Conditioner – “I have very thin hair so this combo helps give me a little lift without stripping my hair and makes a great base for my styling products. Plus it has a great lather and distributes nicely. I recommend it for  curly hair too! My daughter used it in a recent visit and it tightened up her curls and gave them great lift and volume without any frizz”
  • Hashmi Kajal Black Khol Eye Pencil – “Yes, the kind you buy in the Indian or middle eastern markets.  As much as I buy other name brands, I always go back to this one. It’s great for high pigment on the inside of your eyelids along your lashes.”
  • MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in shade Cork – “I use this shade of brown because it has some yellow in it just like my eyes.  This brings out the yellow.”
  • Maybelline FIT ME Foundation in 220 –  “It use to be Shiesado (before it became consistency became too thick), Armani before the texture changed, and now it’s Mabelline – not too thin, not too thick, just the right coverage
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YOU’RE INVITED: John Frieda Destination Style Salon Tour

New Launches from John Frieda

On May 13th John Frieda is kicking off their Destination: Style Salon Tour. First stop, NYC’s Times Square, then onto 10 additional cities to help women in their pursuit of life-changing hair.

Led by celebrated stylist and John Frieda® International Creative Consultant Harry Josh, the John Frieda® expert team will be providing complimentary 15-minute consultations and styling lessons to address every hair issue with targeted John Frieda® solutions. The tour will also showcase the brands newest products including Precision Foam Colour, Full Repair, Fizz-Ease 3-Day Straight, Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray and Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher.

All I can say is if you have any hair concerns or ‘how-to’ questions and you have the opportunity to meet with Harry Josh

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Guide

1. Garden Art & Lanterns on ahalife.com – $50

Designed by Allsop Home & Garden, and hand made by artisan glassblowers, these beautiful, rechargeable, solar-powered garden lanterns are sure to brighten any garden.

2. Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom – $55

Jo Malone recently launched this new limited edition fragrance, Sakura Cherry Blossom and it is divine! This delicate fragrance mixes the subtlety of cherry blossom with layers of rose, bergamot and mandarin. Both light and feminine, this scent is a great celebration of spring. I’m a big fan of their simplistic but oh-so-elegant packaging and the way they gift-wrap is their off-white/black box is perfection.

3. Baroness Monica Von Neumann Savon Candle – $38.50

I’m new to Baroness’ line of quality candles, but I can already say I’m hooked! They burn for 70+ hours (which is exceptional for a candle that size) and the scent is so full and sophisticated with notes of Jasmine, Rose and red amber. It’s a very regal scent and the woodsy hint really makes it rich.

4. Crabtree & Evelyn Lily of the Valley Duo Shower Gel and Body Lotion Set $34 ($44 value)

Lily of the Valley reminds me of my childhood. This scent is so beautifully captured and divine for spring. While the Duo Set makes a great gift, if you’re looking for something extra, add the Lily of the Valley Body Cream ($33). It’s my favorite product from the collection. It’s so hydrating and soothing

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Brands Doing Some Good


Rihanna for UNICEF's Tap Project

I cover a lot of charities on this site since giving back is important to me and I’m constantly amazed by the amount of press releases I receive with brands showing their support by donating to various causes. So to show my support, I thought I would do a sum up of the recent ones I’ve received.

NYU Annual Premiere Benefit Fashion Show EXPO 2011 – Friday April 29th, 3PM (day show), 7:30PM (evening show). All of the proceeds from the show will benefit Hamilton-Madison House, a nonprofit community center that caters to low-income households in NYC.

If you can’t make the show, you can still get involved. EXPO 2011 has partnered with GoodSearch. Anyone online can download the GoodSearch toolbar, specify “New York University – NYU EXPO – Hamilton Madison House” as the chosen charity, and each time that they use the toolbar to search the internet, Hamilton-Madison House benefits. For more information visit http://www.exponyu.com/

UNICEF Tap Project – Celebrities, including Selena Gomez, Adrian Grenier, Dwight Howard, Rihanna, Robin Williams and Taylor Swift have joined forces with the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to engage consumers in a conversation about the lack of access to safe, clean water for nearly 900 million children and adults across the globe. The UNICEF Tap Project is a public service campaign that aims to draw attention to this serious issue and encourage the public to take action to reduce the numbers of children dying daily from waterborne illnesses, the second-highest cause of preventable childhood deaths in the world. Considering $1 provides clean water for a child for 40 days –imagine the difference you can make! Get involved at http://tapproject.org/

Solid Ground Initiative T-Shirt

Solid Ground Initiative – Design Lab NYC, the boutique philanthropic design agency, has partnered with 12 influential Japanese artists located in Japan and NY to create a t-shirt design collection that tells the human side of the recent disaster. All of the proceeds from the sale of the shirts will go to relief organizations working in Japan. Shirts are available in both childrens and unisex adult sizes.  For more information visit http://www.solidgroundinitiative.com/

TEMPTU, the worldwide leader in airbrush makeup, announced earlier this month that they will donate $100 from every online sale of their AIRbrush Makeup System and TEMPTU PRO Compressors and Kits through March 31, 2011 to the American Red Cross for Japan relief efforts.

Civic Duty Shoes

Civic Duty Shoes– I recently discovered this awesome new sneaker line that donates 100% of the profits to a social cause benefiting those in the US. They’re made out of Tyvek, which is that same material used for FedEx envelopes, so awesome! Learn more at http://www.civicdutyshoes.com/

Jac Vanek & We The Kings "We Love Japan" Bracelet

Cutting edge clothing and accessories designer, Jac Vanek has teamed up with the band, We The Kings to create a “We Love Japan” bracelet ($10). 100% of all proceeds go towards relief efforts in Japan, Learn more HERE

Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry will auction off a collection of personalized items including items from her latest fragrance campaign, Reveal by Halle Berry in

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