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PC Beauty Tips Featured in the November Issue of Health Magazine

There’s always something so exciting about opening a magazine and seeing your name in print. In the November issue of Health Magazine (featuring Julianne Moore on the cover), the publication features beauty bloggers top tricks spanning across nails, makeup, hair and skin. Actually, to quote the header, it reads: ” Beauty Bloggers’ Best Tricks, Top online gurus share their go-to strategies for great hair, glowing skin, and magnificent makeup.”

I’m featured twice, once for my hair tip and another for a DIY skincare recommendation (as seen below photographed side by side with Michelle Phan’s tip in between!)

Lara Eurdolian, Pretty Connected beauty tips in Health Magazine

I have a little note to add to my hair tip, since the copy had to be condensed. The tip as it read is:  “I sleep with my hair divided into two loose buns, seared with a scrunch. To keep mu strands smooth. For adding volume in the mourning, I rely on Osis Dust It – the powder soaks up excess oils and adds lift to roots.”

The part that I should preface is about dividing my hair into the buns with a loose scrunchie — that’s only if you’re trying to preserve a blow-out. By putting your hair into loose divided buns rotating hair in sequence of the curl it helps you avoid friction and movement between the strands. The reason you use a scrunchie instead of a hair elastic is you don’t want anything too tight that would leave any lines. Then the next morning you can revive the roots with some dry shampoo.

My other tip was “Yogurt, the pain natural kind makes a great hydrating mask. I use it when my skin needs a little pick-me-up.”

Some of the other tips I loved from the article include:

“I love sparkly polish but it sticks to your nails like crazy. To remove it, I use felt instead of a cotton ball — it works like a gentle Brillo pad.” – Allison Kratzer, Makeup by Alli

“Instead of layering on powder before happy hour, press a few drops of face oil over your cheeks to refresh your foundation and create a super natural glow.” – Elizabeth Dehn, Beauty Bets

“If your eye and lip pencils are really soft, leave them in the fridge for about an hour before you sharpen them-the less creamy they are the less waste there is.” – Christine Miekle, Temptalia

“After I douse a cotton pad with my regular makeup remover, I add a bit of coconut oil and apply it to my closed eye. It helps break up the makeup, so it slides off with more ease.” – Julie Gutierrez, YouTube vlogger

“Rather than using a towel, dry hair with a soft, old, worn-in T-shirt and pat dry. Don’t rub! Rubbing hair with a towel leads to breakage.” – Michelle Phan

“When I have a breakout, I hold a vinegar-soaked cotton ball over it for a few seconds at night. It’s smaller by mourning.” – Aleigh Acerni, Indigo + Canary

Okay, that’a enough of a sneak peek, for more great tips check out the November issue of Health Magazine on stands now.

PC featured in… Refinery 29, RetailMeNot, 24B, Fashion New York Magazine, Blush.com and SpaFinder!

What a month! A merry, merry month filled with incredible partnerships and features. I have some major THANK YOUS to give to some awesome online publications that I’m so excited to have had the opportunity to work with.

1. The Retail Me Not Insider — you know that AWESOME coupon site you should always check before making any in-store or online purchase (yah, that site!) featured myself, and some of my fav fellow beauty bloggers, Felicia of This That Beauty, Danielle of The Style & Beauty Doctor, and Jeannine of Beauty Sweet Spot and our must-have products of 2012! Check it out at http://theinsider.retailmenot.com

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2. My first feature in Refinery 29! Sure it’s a small shout out on their site but for a big event! I recently hosted the DIY station with artist, Sarah Reynolds at R29’s holiday pop-up shop, Tinseltown. We had a blast decorating holiday cards with guests and  being apart of the event.

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3. Fashion New York Magazine — I was featured as the #FNYGIRL of the day, such an honor! Check out the online fashion, beauty, and lifestyle magazine

Getting Glam with Lise Watier + 12 Strokes of Midnight Promo

You may remember from my post last month I traveled with 8 exceptional beauty bloggers to Montreal to celebrate the launch of Canada’s #1 prestige beauty brand, Lise Watier‘s new US website. While there the brand spoiled us with stretch limousines, makeovers, breakfast with Madame Watier at the Ritz Carlton and photoshoot with Brian Ypperciel! To give you a taste of the experience and the world of Lise Watier, check out this video they made from our trip!

{Behind the scenes of my photo shoot}

PC Featured in Essie + BaubleBar Holiday Gift Set Campaign

I am beyond excited to share some amazing news! Not only are two of my favorite brands, Essie and BaubleBar collaborating, but you may recognize one of the models from the campaign… There are 6 customizable sets in the collection and I’m so honored to have been chosen to style the “Beyond Cozy” set.

Get ready to check some serious people off of your holiday shopping list, not only are the sets affordable, they are customizable! For $50 you can design your own set, which includes a polish shade from Essie’s winter collection + three BaubleBar bracelets of your choice wrapped in a sleek carrying case.

Here’s how it works:

Are you an ACTIVE NATURAL? PC Partners with AVEENO to award $10K Grants

If you happened to pick up the new May issue of Elle Magazine, flip to page 130!!

Weeee! I'm in an AVEENO advertorial in ELLE!

Yup, that’s me! I’m thrilled to be partnering with AVEENO and so honored to serve as an an ambassador for their BE AN ACTIVE NATURAL campaign!

For AVEENO, being an ACTIVE NATURAL is at the core of the brand’s values and something they are committed to in both their products and as a lifestyle. As ingredients ACTIVE NATURALS care for your skin and hair to make a healthier and more beautiful difference. As people, ACTIVE NATURALS care for their communities to also make a real difference. For me, getting to partner with one of the most reputable skin care brands is exciting enough, but to do so for a campaign that’s focused around making a difference… I’m elated!

*Deep breathe* Aveeno called me a HERO

So, in celebration of my fellow ACTIVE NATURALS across the country, AVEENO is awarding eight grants in the amount of $10,000!!! To enter, visit AVEENO’s Facebook page and tell them what you’re doing to enrich, engage, and encourage a beautiful change in your community. Apply now at Facebook.com/Aveeno.

If you visit the “HEROES” tab on their Facebook page you can learn more about my fellow ambassadors and how we strive to be ACTIVE NATURALS. Or you can watch my video they posted below. I am so flattered to have been chosen by AVEENO and to be acknowledged as an ACTIVE NATURAL. It’s such a honor to have the opportunity to couple both of my passions and hopefully inspire some of you to make a difference as well as spread the word about this wonderful campaign.

{What makes me an ACTIVE NATURAL}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-1VtXb7cD4A

I’m lucky to have grown up with a philanthropic mother who always taught me the importance of volunteering and giving back. And in addition to using my website to promote brands, like AVEENO striving to make a difference, I mentor with the non-profit organization, STOKED, that serves to promote personal development, academic achievement, and healthy living to under-served youth through action sports (snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing) and community service programs.

If you’re an ACTIVE NATURAL or know someone who is, APPLY!

**Style moment (all about scarves): In the AVEENO ad I am wearing an Express scarf, in the picture where I’m holding the magazine, I’m in the Lolly Gauze Fringe Scarf and in the video I’m wearing a mark. scarf.

PC featured in Smashbox Lights, Camera, BB Video- You can be too! (+enter to win a years supply!)

Last week I gushed over Smashbox’s new Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (read my review HERE), and I’m so excited to be one of the featured bloggers for their  their BB Cream campaign! And that’s all good news for you, because we want you to be apart of it too! Smashbox is doing a fun interactive video to give you the in studio photo-shoot experience and the chance to win a year’s supply of BB Cream!

Here’s how it works: Starting April 2nd, go to Smashbox’s Facebook page (click HERE). Then on the “Lights, Camera BB Cream tab” simply upload 5 pictures of yourself and then your video will be made! You can then share it with your friends and get them to vote for you! Every week, the video with the most votes wins a year’s supply of BB Cream, plus more Smashbox faves. It’s so easy and literally takes 2 minutes to do.

As one of the featured bloggers, I got a sneak peek into the app, and made my video! Check it out below or you can view it HERE.

Now go out there and make your own! It’s so quick and easy (and fun!). Don’t forget to share your video with me. Leave a comment with the link or tweet it to me @PrettyConnected. xxLara

 

Lucky Shops 2011 VIP Night Recap

Makeda from Glamazon Diaries, Lara (me), Eileen from Miss Who Ever You Are

What an exciting weekend! Friday night I was one of the featured bloggers for Lucky Magazine’s Lucky Shops VIP event (you may have noticed me tweeting up a storm).  I partnered with the publication to serve on their blogger committee which was nothing short of fabulous; I was so honored to be working with them.

The VIP event kicked off the annual Lucky Shops, which is 3-day shopping event, where dozens of our favorite designers sell their merchandise at up to 70%! It’s a fashionista’s dream, which NYC is not short on; so needless to say, it was packed.

My fellow committee members included  (check out their awesome blogs!): New York Girl Style, Miss Whoever You Are, My Style Pill, The Beauty File, Cheetah is the new Black, Nubia’s Nonsense, Audrey Allure, Honestly WTF, Cheap Chicas, Platinum Blonde Life, Style Cusp, Glamazone Diaries and of course myself, Pretty Connected.

On the red carpet...
Bloggers unite!

I met the glam team at Bloom Beauty Lounge to start the night out right with some blow-outs and styling. I went with my signature blowout with a some added curls and volume (I call it the Victoria’s Secret model blow-out) to compliment my awesome outfit  [Shirt/Shorts/Boots: Nicole Miller; Tights: Joe Fresh; Necklace: Banana Republic; Belt: The Limited]. Once our hair was red-carpet ready, that’s just where we headed — to the red carpet where we joined the likes of  Bridget Moynahan, Kaylee DeFer, Iman, Susan Lucci, Rachel Roy, Katina Bowden, and Erika Dasher to have our pictures taken and have exclusive coverage opportunities. Then on to go shopping!

Brandon Holly, Mary Alice Stephenson and Mrchy Bloom
30 Rock star, Katina Bowden
My Lucky Shops Outfil {Nicole Miller Shirt/Shorts/Boots}

I invited a few friends at the event and we bee-lined it to Rebecca Minkoff, and all walked away with a new purses. We circled the ground floor and then made our way upstairs to the Hunter Dixon booth. I’m new to their designs but am keeping them on my radar since I wanted everything in their booth! After settling on a pair of pants and skirt (my dates bought up just dresses and tops), it was time to move on. Two Lucky Shop shopping bags full later, I was cut off.

In love with my new Rebecca Minkoff bag!

We then headed to the Lucky Shops after-party at the Crosby hotel for a private advanced screening of Jane by Design starring Erica Dasher, Andie MacDowell and a whole lotta good looking men. As someone who probably doesn’t watch enough television, let alone ABC Family, I found it entertaining and fun without being cheesy (as I find most shows geared towards teenagers to be). If follows unpopular (although very fashion forward) high school student, Jane (Erica Dasher) as she applies for a fashion internship and instead mistaken for an adult, accidentally lands a part-time job. For the love of fashion, I’m sure this show will suck me right in — although it doesn’t premiere until January 23rd, so you’ll just have to wait to see what I’m talking about.

Moi with Jane by Design star, Erica Dasher
Q&A with Jane by Design star, Erica Dasher and Costume Designer, Olivia Miles
More Blogger Love: Christine from Tineey.com, Makeda from GlamazonDiaries.com, and me

Thank you Lucky Magazine for a great night and the amazing opportunity to work together!

Let Me Express My Love for Wacoal Lingerie

No, this is not me, but it is my new Wacoal bra!

I recently attended an event for Wacoal, which included a bra fitting and I can’t express my love and gratitude enough for this brand! First off I’ll start by confessing that I’m a 32DD –although if you’ve ever met me you’d probably swear I wasn’t above a B cup (unless you’ve seen me in a bathing suit). And I strive to keep it that way!

I know it’s a tough sell as a complaint and I’m a disgrace to women everywhere who want implants. I’m reminded regularly, but frankly I didn’t ask for this size, or the challenges of finding a button down shirt that doesn’t involve gaping at the chest or a dress that doesn’t require being taken in to accommodate my disproportion. And if that’s not enough of an excuse, two words: Back Pain.

And my least favorite part of it all, bra shopping! Especially with brands that believe in vanity sizing or that include padding their larger cup sizes (I mean seriously?). And don’t even get me started on

SATURDAY Express Invites YOU to Rock the Sidewalk

Playing dress up! Nicole Miller dress, Express glasses, scarf, beaded bracelets, Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Ever wanted to be a model and walk the runway? Or watch a fashion show live? Well here’s your chance! This Saturday, 7/23 Express is taking over Times Square (NYC) and is opening their runway to the public in an attempt to break the Guinness World Records for most people modeling on a catwalk (current record is at 521). From 9am-5pm, models (that’s you!) get an exclusive Express tee, a surprise savings card, and a chance to win a $250 Express Gift Card. Then at 9pm Express will host their Holiday 2011 Runway Show. Can’t make it? Watch the show live at 9pm at Express.com.

And yes, I’ll be there! Last night Lucky Magazine and Express hosted a little soiree to celebrate the campaign and asked 8 bloggers to partner with them –myself being one of them! So I’m throwing out my camera fear and going to rock that runway! I hope you’ll join me! I’ll also post pictures from Saturday’s event and how I styled the Express collection so check back!

More pictures from last nights Lucky/Express event…

Caroline from sweetcarolineinthecity.com and I we’re jazzing up our outfits with Express accessories. I’m all about this Express Necklace!

I was getting Parisian nerdy-chic with Express while

Lucky Magazine’s Summer Jam

I’m really glad to be in with Lucky Magazine. Since last year the publication has been very supportive of bloggers. In addition to hosting their semi-annual Fashion and Beauty Blogger Conference (FABB), they regular feature bloggers in their issues and have a whole Style Collective on their website.

Last week Lucky Magazine hosted their Summer Jam Cocktail Party for their favorite bloggers *blush*. I wasn’t about turn down the opportunity to meet the staff at Lucky and mingle with my fellow bloggers.

Being rated by The Bumbys

I was greeted by the wonderful Colleen Call (Lucky’s Fashion Merchandising Director) and prompted to see The Bumbys! Do you know The Bumbys? They’re team Gill and Jill who sit behind a desk and offer honest appraisals of your style. No bias here, the duo’s face is covered and they don’t speak. Of course the first think out of my mouth was, ‘do the sunglasses work for me? I want you to know I grabbed them at the bar, so if they give me extra points add it in, if not I can take them off”

Excited over my Bumby's report card!

THE OUTFIT:

My report card said the following:

YES. Yes to the sunglasses. They remind me of the little shock of color that was streaked in the bangs of the emo girl that I sat behind in High School. But that’s coupled with, in your case a kind of debutante meets Steffi Graff thing. And let me just take this opportunity to tell you, that girl from Algebra 2 is looking fiiiiiiiine. Also, don’t take the Steffi Graff thing out of stride, I just meant sporty. Not horse-like.

Average Rating: 9.7

Woohoooo a 9.7!! Which rocked, because I worked that room and it was the highest score of any blogger I met! That was a serious ego boost, although I credit the dress. From the moment I left my apartment to the final event I attended that evening, I don’t think 15minute went by without someone complimenting me on it. It’s a good thing I went for it! I was debating between that outfit, high wasted shorts with a tucked in vintage shirt and snake-print leggings. Apparently there is no consistency in my wardrobe these days.

If you’re a fashion and/beauty blogger looking to get in with Lucky sign up for their FABB Conference! Tickets go on sale this week so