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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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Makeovers with Illamasqua

Since making a splash state side with an exclusive partnership with Sephora; the UK beauty line Illamasqua, known for it’s dramatic looks and subversive inspiration, offers a wide variety of unique shades, professional finishes, and versatile application options.  After posting about the nail varnish, and loving it last month– I was excited to play with the rest of the color line.  Lucky for me the team was invited to meet with product development head David Horne and learn about the line, complete with make-up application.

Makeup artist, Kim Anderson took the lead and gave me a natural,  daytime shimmery look, focusing on my eyes for extra emphasis.

Me, Illamasqua Make-Up Artist Kim Anderson, and Lara

After using Satin Primer on my face and applying Rich Liquid Foundation, Kim went to work on my eyes using a mix of Powder Eye Shadow in Fatal and Cream Pigment Eye Shadow in Mould to create a look that was intense in color but muted in tone and finish. After succeeding in making my eyes intensely green by using a shadow with purple in it, she highlighted my cheeks with Cream Blusher in Rude (the brands top seller).

Sharing a few tricks of the trade (that I will be using from now on) she rubbed the heel of her hand in the cream blush and applied it to my cheeks, she then blended it with the opposite side of her hand creating a perfectly symmetrical look. I really like the Rude blush shade as it’s so versatile and works on so many different skin

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EMU Australia Fall/Winter 2012 Presentation

From head to toe, EMU Australia displayed their Nordic inspired Fall/Winter 2012 collection filled with a mix of comfort and functional pieces, while still being fashionable (and very well styled).

Hosted at the Metropolitan Pavilion at Style 360, the brand also launched its first menswear collection since launching 15yrs ago.  As expected there was a grand showing of classic  Australian Merino sheepskin footwear items, as well as a variety of boots of all lengths made of soft leathers and suede in different styles. I thought the collection was well balanced with heavy jackets (that you just wanted to snuggle in!) mixed with mini skirts and tall boots; fitted leather jackets with hats and accessories –and since it appears they haven’t yet launched pants, I’d love to see a variety of fun tights next season! The richness of the layering as well as the color palette or cranberry to grays to black as also what stood out from the collection.

Leather has been all the rage this season at fashion week, and I for one want this entire black number:

Straight from the front row, check out the collection for yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUYdPpUEPqE&list=UU9BX-x1D-YtJhGoX2vY1TVQ&index=2&feature=plcp

Chloe’s NEW Fragrance: L’Eau de Chloe

In all my fashion week excitement (and posting), I had to take a break to post about the new Chloe Fragrance that is coming out this month! I’m a fanatic when it comes to Chloe fragrances, so I was very excited to receive the lasted edition to their collection: L’Eau de Chloe. Look at how pretty print campaign is! It features 21-yr old French model  and actress Camille Rowe-Pourcheresse, as the face of the fragrance.

I find the other Chloe fragrances, while all unique still resemble each other in smell; L’Eau de Chloe is the most different from it’s collection counterparts. Bottled in the iconic Chloe bottle, L’Eau de Chloe is a very airy, crisp, summery floral that carries a green outdoorsy scent with undertones of rose and citrus. The fragrance opens with refreshing notes of grapefruit, cedrat and sweet peach, blended with natural rose water, and ends with warn notes of cedarwood, patchouli essence and amber.

Enjoy the behind-the-scenes footage from shooting the ad campaign, directed by Mario Sorrenti. In case you’re wondering the song, it’s Ready for the Floor by Lissy Trullie.

DISCLAIMER: A complimentary sample of L’Eau de Chloe was given to Pretty Connected by a company representative. Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.

Amazing Chops: Patrick Melville Salon Giveaway!

Under any other circumstances, if I was going to have my haircut by someone as experienced and sought after as celebrity stylist and co-owner of his namesake salon, Patrick Melville, I would probably spend half my morning styling it just to feel qualified enough to be in his presence and call myself a beauty blogger.  It goes along the same principle of those who clean their apartment before the cleaning person arrives.

Fortunately thanks to being an Aveeno ambassador, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Patrick on a several occasions (he consults on their haircare line). There’s something so welcoming and laid back about his personality that I felt completely comfortable (although slightly embarrassed) to refrain from putting my best hair forward, and checked my vanity at the door. In fact, I wanted it to be completely natural — product free — down to the last flyaway and split end so he could assess the best way to cut it, and advice me on how to maintain it.

The good news was, Patrick validated that there’s no reason for me to stray from my natural black color or abandon my long locks. Alas, I am not meant for short hair. However my dry ends needed to go, and my layers were in desperate need of fixing — I’m still recovering from a bad haircut I received in Portland last year (I knew I shouldn’t have trusted a hair salon that serves beer in the waiting room). And despite being capable of remarkable shine when my hair is healthy and happy, it gets desperately dry, especially on the ends and during the winter months.

Patrick used Kerastase Elixir in my hair to help restore some hydration and recommended I add an oil or comparable product to my hair regime. He also insisted I leave a little leave-in conditioner on the tips of my hair for added moisture, and to help keep the ends healthy.

Skimming only a few inches off the length, Patrick Edward Scissorhanded his way into giving my hair more texture and evened out my layers. By the time he was through, my hair was so much healthier and unbelievably soft and shiny!

When I left the salon, I looked like I was walking off the set of a hair commercial; which I was grateful for considering it lasted 3 days and I had a calendar full of press events to attend. Not having to worry about my hair was the biggest time-saver, not to mention I’ve never received so many compliments on my hair by some of NYC’s top bloggers.  Instant ego-boost, vanity in check!

ENTER TO WIN THE GREAT MAKEUNDER: Are you or someone you know, in need of a change?  If so, nominate them (or yourself!) for a chance to win a cut and color ($260 value) from Patrick Melville Salon! Tell the salon in 250 words or less why you or your nominee deserves to win by February 10th, using one of these methods:

The winner must be available during the week of February 13-17th to come in for their cut and color. For more details on this giveaway, visit the Patrick Melville Salon & Spa blog: RinseReadRepeat.com. Good luck!

Fresh and Veuve Clicquot team up to create “Clicquot in the Snow Beauty Survival Kit”

Break out the bubbly, Veuve Clicquot has partnered with skincare brand, Fresh to create a limited-edition “Clicquot in the Snow Beauty Survival Kit.” Geared to keep snow bunnies hydrated, the beauty survival kit features Fresh’s most nourishing products (including the Citron de Vigne scent which was originally inspired by Veuve Clicuor champagne), the kit includes:

  • Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum Rollerball is a purse-friendly fragrance perfect for travel and slope-side pick-me-ups with a Veuve Cliquot inspired sparkling citrus aroma.
  • Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 blends real sugar, a natural humectant, with meadowfoam and black currant seed oils to hydrate, soften, and protect your lips while you ski.
  • Soy Face Cleanser To-Go is an extra-gentle formula for all skin types that whisks away impurities after an active day outdoors without stripping the skin of essential moisture.
  • Crème Ancienne, the ultimate anti-aging face cream, is proven to provide long-lasting hydration that will stand up to high winds and low temperatures on the mountain.
  • Seaberry Restorative Body Cream To-Go is an ultra-nourishing, omega-rich treatment designed to calm and relieve irritation—making it ideal for post-ski pampering.
  • Brown Sugar Hand Cream provides up to six hours of supreme moisture for seriously dehydrated hands, so they stay silky soft and smooth underneath your gloves.

Housed in a chic, black cosmetic case that reads “Clicquot in the Snow” and adorned with snowflakes, the collection is affordably priced at $60 ($106 value). So lets face it, you don’t need to hit the slopes to appreciate the great assortment and value of the set.

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MALIN+GOETZ and Strip: Ministry of Waxing bring you Ingrown Hair Cream

I’ve been a long time fan of NY based skincare brand, MALIN+GOETZ; far before meeting the two namesakes behind the brand many years ago. Their Detox Face Mask. and Lip Moisturizer. are staples in my bathroom–and don’t even get me started on their candles… Recently, the brand has collaborated with hair removal experts, Strip: Ministry of Waxing to create their new collaborative Ingrown Hair Cream.

Strip: Ministry of Waxing, which began in Singapore in 2002 is now is a global enterprise and expert in hair removal, has carried MALIN+GOETZ products since 2005 and now spans in 22 Strip locations internationally. They also received the Best of New York award in 2011 by New York Magazine.

And speaking of New York, if you haven’t been to the Strip location in Nolita, I highly recommend it! I recently went there to get my eyebrows threaded and test out their new Ingrown Hair Serum and it’s outstanding. Formulated with fatty acids of natural Vitamins B5 and E to promote skin repair; alongside

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Tria Introduces Blue Light Acne System

Acne sufferers take note; Tria has recently introduced their latest at-home innovation, the Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light. Created to target and eliminate the very source of acne bacteria, it is clinically proven to deliver clear skin with fewer, milder acne breakouts in less then 2 weeks.

Considering there have been minimal medical advancements in the world of acne since the 70’s, there was much excitement in the early 2000 with the advancements of laser and blue light technology used in dermatologist offices. And now, more affordable at-home systems to mimic similar results are available in the comfort of your home.

I don’t suffer from breakouts; sure, I have the occasional pimple here and there but nothing that warrants serious action. However, I’m no stranger to the emotional and physical trauma for those who do. My sister suffered from terrible acne in High School and regular breakouts as an adult. Accutane, Retin-A, Proactive and a variety of over-the-counter products later, she’s had moderate success over the years, but the trouble with many of these products the prescription based products are side-effects, excessive skin dryness, flaking/pealing and harsh reactions. Not to mention many of them are not preventative or feasible for sensitive skin. That said, blue light is one area she hasn’t explored and a treatment form

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Fresh Start Beauty Products on a Budget

As we say goodbye to January and have completed our first month of 2012; I’ve been thinking a lot about many of the “new year, fresh start” type resolutions we make for ourselves: to look better, feel better, travel more, save money… Taking some of these goals into consideration, I’ve put together some of my favorite travel-friendly on-a-budget products all under $15 to help you on your way. 

1. TRESemme FRESH START Dry Shampoo – Dry shampoo has been all the rage for the past year and with good reason! It’s an easy way to revive your hair in between washes or when you’re leaving the gym and don’t have time to shower. And TRESemme has created an entire line of FRESH START aerosol dry Shampoos based on hair type and need! There is a Volumizing, Strengthening, Smoothing, and even a Moisturizing Waterless Foam version designed to absorb excess oil and remove odor without needing a drop of water. And best part is they are priced under $6 and come in two sizes, 5.7oz and 2oz; which is perfect for travel, and compact enough to fit in your make-up case or gym bag.

2. John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer (0.5 fl oz/$9.99) – This product is genius! Packaged within a mascara bottle, it contains a crystal clear polish formulated with Inca Inchi Oil that weightlessly takes down flyaways without being sticky. It’s great for on-the-go touch-ups and is safe for color-treated and chemically-treated hair. Just brush the mascara wand against those flyaways and watch them settle.

3. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF30 (2.5 fl oz/$14.99) – Just because it’s winter does not mean you can stop wearing an SPF! This moisturizer is lightweight, hydrating and protects against sun exposure, free-radicals and environmental toxins (which NYC is full of!). It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly and is very hydrating. Plus it can be worn under your makeup without making it flake.

4. Clean & Clear Limited Edition Hello Kitty Oil Absorbing Sheets ($4.99/50 sheets) – launching in February, Clean & Clear is teaming up with Hello Kitty to bring you this oh-so-adorable limited edition version

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Avon Celebrates ANEW 20th Birthday with Paulina Porizkova and Alfonso Ribeiro

Look who I got a picture with!

Who knew it took going back to the 90’s to attend easily the hippest party of 2012 yet! Okay provided, it’s barely February so that doesn’t say as much as it should, but Avon spared no detail in their recent 1992 themed party in celebration of the 20th birthday of their prestige anti-aging line, ANEW. Hosted by supermodel and ANEW spokesperson, Paulina Porizkova who announced to the audience, “I have nothing in this face for except what God gave me and Avon put on it”. Quite an accolade to the brand considering at 46, she’s flawless..

Avon packed the Thom Bar with 90’s memorabilia including slap bracelets, Fun-Dip, Warheads, fanny-packs, a photo booth, and tunes that made you want to jump-jump (no literally they played ­­­Kris Kros), along with other hits from the decade.  And speaking of the 90’s, just after Paulina gave a speech to the audience and the brand introduced ANEW’s two latest products; Genics Eye Treatment and Clinical Resurfacing Expert; they announced a surprise guest… On came Tome Jones’ It’s not unusual and out came Alonso Ribeiro (aka Carlton Banks from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air!) doing his iconic Carlton dance.

It was perfect. And naturally, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity for a photo-opp with him.

Thank you for a very fun evening Avon!

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