Earth-friendly beauty brand,EcoTools, has a lot to celebrate! This month they finally introduced their official websitewww.ecotools.com and launched their second collection with actress and eco-advocate, Alicia Silverstone! To commemorate all the excitement, we’re giving away a few pieces from the collection! One lucky winner will get the very limited edition custom designed Alicia Silverstone eco-bag, which is so limited that it’s not even available for purchase! AND the EcoTools by Alicia Silverstone 5-Piece Brush Set & Bag.
This morning I was on a segment for the Today Show (I was literally asked to do it last night), that circled around the challenges of working for women vs. men and my choice to get out of a full-time role and become a consultant (and start prettyconnected.com). The segment was derived from a recent study that women are not nurturing towards other women in the workforce and “men exceeded women in receiving job-related support from female supervisors”. Also that more than twice as many people would rather work for a man over a women.
Fostering a career in the beauty/fashion industry has made me no stranger to female bosses. And it is disappointing to see segments of this nature and hear stories of nightmare women bosses and toxic working environments; what’s worse is the reality of the situation. Early in my career,
By now you’ve probably heard of SENSA, I had but knew nothing beyond it being some type of weight loss supplement. And frankly all that type of stuff kind of freaks me out. I tend to generalize them all into one category; innovative pills filled with chemicals, in fancy boxes promising to miraculously dissolve away those extra pounds. Of course when you read the fine print it has some comment about how it works best as part of a healthier diet and exercise regimen. And doesn’t that somewhat defeat the purpose? If I can get myself to eat healthier and regularly work out, I think I’m on my way to solving the problem.
Dr. Alan Hirsch
Out of pure curiosity, I got off my high horse and decided to join Dr. Alan Hirsch, M.D. for a breakfast he was hosting to learn more about SENSA, the 6-month weight-loss system that uses science and your sense of smell to shed unwanted pound. And I’m glad I did because he’s a breath of fresh air. I’m used to nutrition buffs or fitness obsessed working-out-is-my-life types starting these weigh-loss programs that for the life of me I cannot relate to (although I am envious of their drive and healthy endorphins). Dr. Hirsch on the other hand is a Neurologist and Psychiatrist, and his passion for research and how the brain and sensory system of the human body operates is evident in every anecdote and fact he delivered.
“Did you know in a study we did on what people want kisses to taste like we found married and single women prefer their dates or husband’s kisses to taste fresh, like mint toothpaste; married men like their wives to taste like spearmint or peppermint, and single men prefer them to taste like alcohol,” he told the audience. That narrative is slightly off topic, but I couldn’t get enough of these random studies. I asked him
At the beginning of the month I posted about Jo Malone’s NEW Limited Edition Tea Fragrance Blends ($55), which came in five flavors, Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, Fresh Mint Leaf, Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk; which can either be worn alone or layered on top of each other. I also updated the post to include an invitation to High Tea with Jo Malone in honor of the launch. Hopefully some of you were able to make it! Having previewed the Fresh Mint Leaf and Sweet Milk fragrances I was anxious to experience the rest of the collection –especially since they were expected to sell out by April!
Prior to attending the event, my experience with Jo Malone has been rather limited. A candle here, a sample there, but mostly I’ve admired them from afar. My enjoyment of the brand has mostly come from press they have received or from their counters at Saks Fifth Avenue where I’d marvel at the packaging. To be honest, I find fragrance shopping overwhelming. I like to hear about a scent, go to a store that carries it, try it on, walk around for an hour, then decide if I like it enough to go
Converse Jack Purcell shoes + Scoreboard watch (Ginger+Liz manicure)
After a very long week in Boston, I came home to another exciting package, my new Converse Women’s Jack Purcell shoes! I was first introduced to these beauties at Lucky Magazine’s Fashion and Beauty Blog (FABB) conference and thought who’s Jack Purcell?
He’s only one of the most amazing Badminton players of all time and former World Badminton Champion! Pretty random, huh? Which of course only made me want them more (I love the random sports—ping pong is my only exercise of choice). That and I retired my Chuck Taylor’s last summer and was in need of a low, canvas sneaker for spring. And wouldn’t you know it, they brought the spring weather with them!
It was so warm and amazing out I wore them out all weekend (except Sunday night when it rained!). I even got to break them in on Friday night when I went to ping pong social club, SPiN New York for my good friend (and infamous table tennis player) Kaz’ birthday! Not to be all matchy-matchy, but I rocked my Jack Purcell’s with the Converse Scoreboard watch ($70), which I got last month at the conference! It not only keeps time, but also has an alarm, date, stopwatch feature and comes in a variety of fun colors. It’s also water resistant and very sporty with it’s silicone strap. Plus, how great does it look with my Jack Purcell’s? It definitely completed my look! Also you may want to take a minute to reflect on my silver metallic Ginger + Liz manicure (in shade “Tuck Me In“) thanks to TJ at Ryan Darious Salon. My nails look like they’re from outer space…love, love, love!
There’s so much fun and innovation coming out of Clinique right now! They’ve partnered again with the fashion label Milly by the Michelle Smith, and this time created a limited edition Pretty in Prints color collection for spring. If you couldn’t tell by my post from Milly’s recent Fall 2011 runway show (yes, I was there!), I want everything she puts her name on (except peddle pusher shorts). Her choice of silhouette, color and patterns are so happy, youthful and fabulously styled! And the Clinique cosmetic set she designed is no exception.
The Pretty in Prints collection is very natural and feminine mixing rich browns and soft pinks that are perfect for spring! The Pretty in Prints Compact ($36) includes a Colour Serge Eye Shadow Quad in “Printed Pinks” which contains an Ivory shade, a gold metallic/greenish brown shade, a rosy pink color and a deep purplish brown eye shadow as well as the Blushing Blush Powder Blush in “Precious Posey”, which is a warm light pink blush.
Additionally, she created a limited edition signature pink lipgloss shade in Clinique’s Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 ($14), appropriately named ‘Milly Pink’. The color is a very light pink sheer lipgloss that’s both feminine and subtle in tint but makes your lips so smooth and shiny –it’s a thicker formula, but it stays put and feels hydrating (plus it has SPF 15!).
And because I’m a super-Milly fan, I have to say that even before trying the makeup, I was hooked on the pouch case it came in (which is inspired by a couture 1960s print)– I literally want a 100 of them so I can be pretty in this print and turn it into a dress!
Check out the behind the scenes footage of Clinique and Michelle Smith for the Pretty in Prints collection:
Disclaimer: A complimentary sample of the Milly for Clinique collection was given to Pretty Connected for editorial consideration by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.
Would you like to have a tea party with Jo Malone? Yes, please!
Well come tomorrow, you can! Jo Malone is launching a collection of limited edition, travel-friendly Tea Fragrance Blends ($55). Inspired by British tradition (he’s going back to his English roots), it was only proper he create three classic tea base fragrances –Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber and Fresh Mint Leaf followed by two additional scents; Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk, which can either be worn alone or on top of the tea scents.
So how do you take your tea? I’m a mint girl myself, so I previewed the Fresh Mint Leaf fragrance, and for creativity sake added Sweet Milk on top. Apparently I take my fragrance exactly the way I do my tea –with nothing added (okay, sometimes I mix in lavender-honey, but that wasn’t an option). The Sweet Milk was pleasant, but sweet –and since when
Lara with Miles Ehan and his Inspiration Board for Three Custom Color
You may have noticed that I (and some fellow beauty bloggers) were tweeting up a storm recently at a tweet up hosted by one of my favorite bloggers, Felicia Walker Benson of ThisThatBeaty.com. We were celebrating the launch of the Sweetest Thing collection by Three Custom Color Specialists, inspired by up-and-coming fashion designer Miles Ehan, who designs gowns using unconventional materials. And in this case appropriately yummy ones like cotton candy and cupcake wrappers!
Some of you may be familiar with Three Custom Color for their unique ability to offer customers custom colors –or to re-create discontinued beauty product from any brand on the market. You just have to provide them with a sample! In addition to that ridiculously practical and helpful service, they also have a color line, which now includes the Sweetest Thing collection, just
Brutal winters, like the one we’re currently experiencing with harsh winds can affect and damage our skin. You may have noticed your skin is increasingly more dry, dull, or flaky this season. Here are some tips on how to get your skin back on track and prepared for the winter months ahead.
Water temperature: Be sure your water is lukewarm when taking a shower or bath–hot water is very. Pat skin dry instead of harshly rubbing with a towel.
Choose a Hydrating Cleanser to help deep condition and rebalance dry skin. Ideal for normal/dry skin, I like ARBONNE Hydrating Cleanser + Freshener ($25) when my skin gets ultra dry–it’s very rich and creamy. I’m also a fan of Mario Badescu Orange Cleansing Soap ($20), which is a light, non-drying gentle cleanser which works for all skin types, and serves as a makeup remover as well. Same rule with washing your face as with showering, use warm (not hot) water.
Exfoliate 1-2/week: Exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and restore a healthy complexion. Plus, it makes moisturizing more effective when applied to exfoliated skin. Just be sure to do so at night when you’re skin is not exposed to the sun –you don’t need that added risk of UV exposure. Apply in a circular, upward motion to get your circulation going. I recommend Mario Badescu Almond & Honey Non-Abrasive Face Scrub ($15), it gently buffs away dead skin cells. If you’re skin type is oily and you prefer a stronger exfoliant, try Bliss Fabulous Foaming Face Wash($22), although I recommend following up with a rich moisturizer after.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Especially right after showering for a more hydrating effect. I swear by Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream ($24.50), it’s lightweight with a great cooling effect and just glides right into my skin upon application. For very dry skin try Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief ($34). It’s an amazing gel moisturizer that feels like a tall glass of water going directly into your skin and offers immediate moisture. If you’re skin type is oily, try Clinique Different Moisturizing Gel with Pump ($24.50) as an alternative. If you prefer a heavyweight, rich cream, Dermalogica Super Rich Repair($77), with Shea Butter and Oil of Evening Primose is ultra hydrating.
Alcohol and smoking dehydrates you; coffee gives you, well ‘coffee breath’, mix that in with the winter weather drying everything from your skin to you’re mouth you may be experiencing an increase of dry mouth and bad breathe!
What’s a girl to do? Well for starters you could quit drinking, smoking and coffee and drink a lot of water. If that’s not realistic, start drinking water in between alcoholic beverages to help hydrate and protect you from (or at least lessen the effects) a hangover and a dehydrated mouth.
Sweet Breath Mist
Add a mouthwash specifically formulated to protect against dry mouth into your regimen. I’ve been usingOrazyme Dry Mouth Mouthwash for the past month and it’s been very effective. It contains bioactive enzymes to help restore the moisture balance. Most mouthwashes make my teeth feel clean, where as this one I feel more so targeting my tongue and gums. It isn’t too strong and contains no parabens, saccharin, sugar or alcohol, and has an enjoyable mint flavor.
Carry around mints or sprays for a quick fix to stinky breathe. I have a Sweet Breath Micro Mist spray on my key ring. It’s super convenient since my keys are always on me when I’m out. So when in need I just spray a hit into my mouth and it instantly kills germs and freshens my breath.
