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Stay Hydrated, Drink Safe

What product can give you beautiful glowing skin, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, increases your energy level, and helps your overall health?

ANSWER: Water

So drink it, and lots of it! This winter has been brutal and oh so drying on the skin, that alongside a hydrating beauty regimen it’s essential to drink a lot of water. Filtered is ideal, but if your tap is safe then fill those water bottles up keep some on you at all time.

For bottled water, I’m currently all about Icelandic Glacial water. It’s sourced from a 4,500 year old volcanic spring and untouched by humans until you open the bottle. The water is so pure that Parfums Christian Dior has recently partnered with Icelandic Glacial to include the water in specific products that will launch next year. While I’m excited for the unveiling of this product, what I like about Icelandic Glacial is it’s crisp, clean, taste. It’s very refreshing!

Also, invest in a good water bottle. It’s a great way to save money, protect the environment and keep you drinking all day. When choosing one, I prefer not to use plastic and ideally go with glass or aluminum/stainless steel containers.  Here are some of my favorites, but depending on if you carry it in your purse, car, when you’re off to the gym or otherwise, it’s important to pay attention to design, weight and size when picking the one that’s right for you!

Love Bottle ($12-$18) – Environmentally sound, dishwasher safe and comes in a variety of whimsical labels, I love my Love Bottle! It has an old-school-milk-bottle type lid, which adds to its charm, but takes some getting used to –especially if you’re used to a twist off cap. The only downfall is it’s heavy, especially

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SAKS + neuveauBrow: A Prescription for Perfect Eyebrows

neuveauBrow

Recently, I was spoiled by Saks Fifth Avenue and neuveauBrow active eyebrow technology for a brow consultation with celebrity brow expert and founder of Damali NYC Heidi Evora-Santiago. Of course my first instinct was to tweeze and pluck – after all I was going before the woman who has done everyone from Katherine Heigl to Eva Longoria’s brows. Although I quickly came to my senses, and realized I should probably leave it to the professional.

At the Saks counter I learned about neuveauBrow ($100), a scientifically advanced formula containing peptides, proteins, vitamins and moisturizers that both nourishes and condition to restore brows to a fuller and healthier state. Dermatologist tested, neuveauBrow is ideal for women with sparse, thinning or weak brows, neuveauBrow can shows results within four weeks.

Heidi Evora-Santiago takes on Lara's brows

I however am very fortunate in that department (although I brought along a writer that’s very excited to review it!). My middle-eastern eyebrows are anything but lacking, which was confirmed when Heidi said, “You have great brows, we don’t even need to fill them in, I’m just going to clean up under the brow and trim them.” She even approved of the shape. Phew!

The end result was naturally perfection. She gave me more of a defined arch while still keeping the brows thick and evened out and the shape to compliment my face. I have difficulty looking in a mirror and making sure everything is symmetrical –that’s a common mistake, which can end to over-tweezing. Having a perfectionist go in

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Taking Time with Rodney Cutler for Redken’s NEW Nature’s Rescue Collection

Redken Nature's Rescue Collection

There’s a big shift in the industry right now with brands creating more natural formulations due to the increasing concerns over parabens, sulfates and silicone. This month, Redken joins the ranks by launching Nature’s Rescue, a new (paraben-free, sulfate-free and silicone-free) haircare collection merging together technological expertise with plant and marine extracts to help remove impurities and buildup while helping to nourish hair.

Last month, I took time with Rodney Cutler, Redken Brand Ambassador and owner of Cutler/Redken Salons for a special preview of the collection. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Rodney Cutler on a few occasions and seeing him in action and It’s always very humbling to be in his presence. Cutler addressed the growing demand in the marketplace for natural products but at the end of the day “the products have to work, otherwise, what’s the point?” So while this line will fill that naturals void in the Redken collection, it’s the really the unique blend of this Sea Algae HydraComplex that makes it so unique. It consists of Sea Algae, for it’s protective properties, Soy Protein for it’s replenishing ones and Aloe Vera for moisture.

The Nature’s Rescue collection consists of four products:

  • Refreshing Detox Shampoo: $16 (6.8oz) – washes away daily stress by helping to eliminate impurities, pollution and buildup.
  • Refining Sea Polish: $19 (3.4oz) – gentle exfoliant enriched with pumice removes impurities and refines hair’s surface leaving it smooth and shiny.
  • Cooling Deep Conditioner: $17 (4.2oz) – Ultra moisturizing conditioner helps rebalance hair while cooling and soothing the scalp.
  • Radiant Sea Spray: $17 (3.4oz) – lightweight and multifunctional spray that adds texture.
Lara with Rodney Cutler (pre-Nature's Rescue hair treatment)

The other great attribute to the collection is Nature’s Rescue is formulated for all hair types, safe for color-treated hair, and can be used daily, weekly or on alternate days from your regular haircare regimen. When I asked the must have from the collection, without hesitation Cutler chose the Refining Seas Polish claiming, “there’s nothing else like it on the market! Wait until you try it, and just feel your hair after you rinse it out—it will be so soft”.  Needless to say I was intrigued.

I then went on to the Cutler Salon in the Gansevoort Park Hotel to experience the line. My first observation was that the shampoo felt and looked similarly to aloe. It had a slight lather and was easily worked into and absorbed by my hair. Next the Refinish Sea Polish –it literally felt like a gritty exfoliant that felt like sand paper mixed into a moisturizer.  The key to this product is to put a small amount in between your hands, start at the shaft and shimmy your hands down to the root going with the grain of the hair. Do it in sections to really get every part. My stylist then

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Lara’s Classic Winter Staples

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Coat in Red – $498 the one featured is no longer available
2. D&Y Cozy Crochet Beanie in White – $27
3. 66 North Kaldi Arctic Hat – $84
4. Hunter Original Tall Boots in Navy – $125
5. Longchamp Le Pliage Tote bag in black – $145
6. Theory Blazer in Black – $375 , the one featured is no longer available
7. Tiffany’s Bead Bracelet – $185
8. Tiffany’s Somerset Ring – $250
9. Knock Out Nail polish in Concrete – $14
10. Christian Dior J’adore Eau de Parfum – $59- $95

While I love to accessorize and get creative with my outfit choices (and makeup), there is something to be said about owning really great, quality basics that can be worn on repeat to build a variety of looks and outfits or be worn alone and look effortlessly chic.

A warm coat that fits and is made well, will go a long way in your wardrobe. I bought mine last year from Marc by Marc Jacobs (#1) and it still looks brand new.  Red has been huge this season and the shade I chose is a really happy one that works with my skin tone. No matter how disheveled I am, this coat instantly brightens me up and makes me look considerably more put together.

To compliment my coat, I opted for a crisp, white beanie from D&Y (#2). What I love about this knit is that it’s not too tight like a snowboarder hat or too big like an oversized beanie and I it’s light enough that I can carry it over into Spring.  For those really bitter cold days, I turn to my Kaldi Arctic Hat from 66 North –the Icelandic brand designed to deal with extreme weather conditions. And if it’s good enough to keep Icelanders warm, then it can handle this New Yorker. And the lining is

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An Afternoon at Daffy’s

Have you ever been to Daffy’s? If you live in the NYC you’ve probably walked by their stores; there are several. They are the discount retailer with big yellow signs with their DAFFY’S logo in large print written all down the front. Up until this week, my only other knowledge of the store was that “the ones in Jersey are the best”. Or at least that’s what a former colleague once told me when I complimented her on a jacked she purchased there.

Having been given a $50 gift certificate, I took the afternoon off to explore their assortment and do a little shopping. For the men’s department, I was shocked to see Sebago (one of my favorite brands for boat shoes) priced at $49.99, then further reduced on clearance for $37.49 (they generally retail for $120).  For kids they had a great assortment of dresses and jackets. My big find was kids Ralph Lauren button down polo shirts for $16.99 (those retail for $40).  Then on to women’s to really get down to business and do a little shopping for myself.

Overall the clothing wasn’t my aesthetic, however I was impressed to that they carried a limited assortment of Patrizia Pepe and Les Copains pieces. Both of these brands are very well known in Europe, and priced easily at 50-75% off from what they would retail for abroad. Their fragrance wall carried a large variety of luxury lines including Chloe, Burberry, CK, and Ed Hardy all priced around $15-$20 below retail.

My Desk Before and After Purchasing Daffy's Desk Organizer ($11.99) and Wastebasket ($13.99)

After browsing the different departments of the store, I decided to spend my gift certificate split between the home department and socks. I found a great office desk organizer and wastebasket set, which perfectly complimented my New Years resolution of being more organized. There are actually way too many products on my desk so I plan on using the wastebasket to temporarily store any items I’m in the process of reviewing instead of for trash. Then headed over to socks where there was a large assortment of brands including

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Holiday Gift Ideas: $10 & Up

1. NARS Orgasm Lust Set – $30
2. Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style 0.33 oz Eau de Toilette. Available in scents: Baby, “G”, Angel, Love and Music – $30.00/each  or $100 for the Wicked Style Gift Set (which includes all five fragrances).
3. Hourglass Extreme Sheen Set – $45
4. Victoria’s Secret Beauty Ornaments (choose from VS fragrances, lip gloss and eyeliner sets) – $10/each
5. REN Mini Body Gift Set & Mini Rose Trio Gift Set – $25/each
6. Dermalogica AGE Smart Starter Kit – $50
7. Pevonia Myoxy-Caviar To Go Timeless Renewal Set – $79
8. Michael Aram Twig Snowflake Ornament – $29
9. Tanqueray Gin – $13.99 (375mL/half bottle), $19.99 (750mL)

Okay it’s getting down to the wire. Have you bought all your holiday gifts? Lets talk through a few ideas to help you figure out what to get those remaining on your list.

There are a lot of great holiday sets available right now in the wonderful world of makeup so if the person you’re shopping for has a favorite brand, visit their website and check out their gift sets. Otherwise I recommend #1 & #3 for any picky beauty queens on your list who appreciate quality makeup. #2 is great for anyone from teenagers to your coworker looking for a little friend for their desk. Their scents tend to be on the sweeter/fruitier side. However owning a Harajuku Lover may

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Holiday Gift Guide: Something for Everyone

Okay so it’s the final weeks before Christmas, Hanukkah ends tomorrow so if you’re looking for some gift inspiration, here are some great gifts for everyone on your list.

1. Tocca Gift Sets – Eau de Parfum Viaggio ($45) gift set includes three of their signature fragrances Stella, Florence and Cleopatra in miniature size, and Candele Da Viaggio ($42) box set includes an assortment of four travel size candles including Cleopatra, Grave, Havana and Kyoto.

2. MAKE UP FOR EVER Rock For Ever Aqua Eyes – $36 ($49.50 Value). Set includes five travel size Aqua Eyes pencils in shades Gold, Bronze, Dark Grey, Mat Black  and Silver.

3. NARS Cosmetics – Follow the Boys Lip Gloss Coffret – $40 ($48 Value). Set includes four medium size glosses in shades Turkish Delight (Pink Sorbet), Moon Fleet (Sparkling Platinum Gold), Easy Lover (Ultra Sheer Hot Pink) and Sweet Revenge (Sheer Pink Grapefruit).

4. Tarte The Jewelry Box $52 ($637 Value). This combination set includes 32 eye shadows, 8 lip glosses, 5 eyeliners, a mineral powder bronzer and highlight powder in soft pink all, which opens and folds to condense into a compact jewelry box.

5. Cellies ($35) – Fashionable stretch cuff bracelet that carries your cell phone so you don’t have to. They have a terry version perfect for working out, and a collection of decorative studded ones in pink and black to wear as a fashion accessory.

6. Pylones Mug Angel Wings – $25.  This mug is available in colors: blue (featured), red, lime, black, pink and orange.

7. ThinkGeek Electronic Rock Guitar Shirt – $29.99. Complete with mini amp this interactive t-shirt has a fully playable guitar built into the t-shit. Available in ADULT

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Travel Essentials To Get You Through The Holidays

1. Boots No7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes ($6.99/pack of 30 wipes) – If you don’t have access to your beauty regiment, these wipes are the next best thing. They cleanse, tone, moisturize, and remove eye make-up! So whether you’re at the gym, on a plane or just feeling too lazy to make it to the bathroom to take off your makeup, these wipes are great to have on hand.

2. Scent Genie ($11/4mL) – Turn any of your fragrances into travel size. The Scent Genie, refills in seconds and holds 50 sprays. Lightweight and leak proof, it’s the perfect addition to any makeup case.

3. Dr. Hauschka Daily Body Care Kit ($22.95) – Just because you’re traveling, that’s no excuse to neglect your skin. Packaged in a convenient on-the-go tin, the Daily Body Care kit has everything you need to keep your body hydrated. Plus it’s a great way to try the Dr. Hauschka’s body care range. This set includes

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Beauty Queen Gift Guide

It’s easy to classify someone as a beauty queen (or junkie) –we’re everywhere! However it’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for us, especially since we’re so picky. Here are some recommendations to help you get a little more creative this holiday season.

1. Mixer Kit by Geri G ($39) – The all-star in this 5-piece kit is the Mixer Solo (also sold separately, $29), it’s a very cool multi-functional aloe-based product that can be used as a face or eye shadow primer or base to mix your cosmetics. I use it for all of the above. It has a nice silicone type smoothing feel when applied to skin, so I enjoy it as my base product before putting on my makeup. I’m also someone who’s skin-tone changes by season so I often use it as a buffer to mix my foundations or powders to create my perfect shade. Additionally it’s water-resistant, allergy-tested, irritation-free and formulated with Titanium Dioxide for sun protection, The set also includes the M Brush (regularly $14.95), instruction booklet and DVD (11.5min) and mixing spatula.

2. BeautyBlender Holiday Set ($23.95) – This set contains a BeautyBlender sponge and BlenderCleanser bundled a red pouch, ready for the holidays. I was originally turned onto the BeautyBlender sponge by celebrity makeup artist, Jackie Gomez. She raved about it in a class I attended –how great the shape of the sponge was for applying makeup to the contours of your face, how it could be used wet or dry, and that it is

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Fun, Corky Gifts for Under $10

Let the holiday gift guides begin! Here are some fun, silly gifts for adults and kids all for under $10. They also make for a great stocking stuffer!1. TO-DO TATTOO ($7)– I found this at the infamous Powell’s bookstore in Portland, Oregon. A temporary tattoo to do list, complete with skin-safe gel pen. Peel it on, then use the pen to write out your to do list. Perfect gag gift (or practical gift in my case) for all your disorganized, flaky or plain forgetful friends. Each pack comes with 12 ‘to do…’ tattoos, perfectly sized to fit in the palm of your hand, although I generally stick them on my arm. For more information visit worldwidefred.com

2. Risk It/Play it Safe Coin ($4)– It’s genius! A silver, rustic looking coin that on one side has ‘RISK IT’ imprinted on it and on the other ‘PLAY IT SAFE’. For all those moments in question, now you can just flip a coin and leave it to fate. This is somewhat an iconic gift I give to the very special men in my life –who may or may not happen to make reckless or irresponsible decisions, and need a little voice of reason.  I like to

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