I had forgotten how absolutely amazing facials are until I had the immense pleasure of receiving one compliments of Spa Week. All I had to do in exchange was write about it which was easy considering the phenomenal experience and results.

I got the Aqualia Signature facial at the Aqualia Spa in NYC- a 75 minute relaxing facial treatment with pressure point face massage (pressing specific points on the side of the face and sinuses to relieve tensions), massage to the face, neck and shoulders, extractions, customized skin mask, and moisturizer for a radiant glow. Since I was there, I also got the Derm Renewal Clinical Peel- a professional deep exfoliating treatment designed to promote skin renewal and moisturization (and it doesn’t sting or leave you looking like a tomato!). [continue reading…]

Move over black and navy, there’s a new must-have nail-shade for Fall. Gray lacquer is all the rage,a more subdued and sophisticated alternative to the super dark shades out there. It can be difficult to navigate the vast market of nail polishes for the perfect shade of gray so we’ve done the leg work and tested dozens.

Read on for our favorites!

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There is only one month left of summer which means it’s time to squeeze in as much time outside, either in a park, by the pool, or at the beach. However, all this time spent in the sun or water can wreak serious havoc on your locks and can lead to moisture loss, unruly frizz, breakage, and color changes.

We are all well-versed on the importance of sun-block, but few people realize that UV exposure has a similar effect on hair as it does on skin. According to hair expert and Curl Talk author Ouidad, “UV Exposure can dry hair out, making it vulnerable to breakage much the same as the sun makes skin flake and peel from too much exposure.”

In addition to damage caused by the sun, salt water and chlorine can deplete hair’s moisture levels, leaving it flat, dry, dull and prone to breakage. And we can’t forget other issues like frizz and excess oil buildup- just some other lovely side-effects of nice weather!

There’s no need to worry though. With the right products, your hair can withstand any environmental abuse and become healthier and more radiant than ever!

Read on for my top summer haircare must-haves! [continue reading…]

I love getting manicures, I mean it’s amazing how great you can feel with perfectly polished nails. However, getting weekly salon manicures isn’t exactly economically practical for most these days, which makes the art of perfecting the perfect DIY manicure an important skill to have.

I used to get manicures every week or every other, but now I go every few months, which has made my wallet a lot happier.

Read on for expert tips for the perfect at-home manicure from Michele Pierno of Kiss Products with some of my favorite DIY manicure tools thrown into the mix to help you on your way! [continue reading…]

I love the summer months but it can be really tough to look good in the face of the sweltering heat. First, you’re makeup doesn’t stay put, you’re all shiny, your hair gets dry, your skin can be uneven from too much tanning. And it’s not only hard to look good during the summer, the damaging effects it can have on your appearance will cause you years of not looking good after- think damaged hair, age spots, wrinkles.

Right now we’re deep in the summer trenches and you may have found yourself in need of a beauty overhaul. To keep you protected and beautiful all summer long, and thereafter, I’ve rounded up the absolute best summer beauty essentials. [continue reading…]

I may be young but I still have an intense fear of crow’s feet. Sunglasses are constantly plastered to my face, and well, I’ve tried every conceivable eye cream I can get my hands on. It’s a well-known fact you do the most damage to your skin in your teens and 20s, so why not start with the anti-aging eye creams now?

Here are some picks for favorites. But as you also know, everyone’s skin is different so be sure to include your lucky finds in the comments below! [continue reading…]

There’s nothing sexier than a seductive, sultry smoky eye. It’s no wonder this beauty trend has endured for decades. The Runaways, in theaters now starring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, is the ultimate showcase of the rock star makeup that defined the 70’s. Makeup artist Robin Matthews created the looks using MAKE UP FOR EVER: “I designed The Runaways’ eyes around MAKE UP FOR EVER Eye Shadows. Their highly pigmented Eye Shadows and Aqua Eyes eyeliners are silky smooth, blendable, and long lasting. The color selection is limitless, giving you endless possibilities. I finished each look with Smoky Lash mascara – which is truly smudge proof, a necessity on and off stage,” said Robin.

Read on for all the steps to recreate the looks! [continue reading…]

It doesn’t matter what the season is, my skin is always temperamental-  dryness, itching, flaking, scaling, the works. As a beauty editor I’m awarded certain perks, namely, free samples to try out. To keep my skin healthy and soft through the winter and thereafter, I requested tons of moisturizers in the hopes of uncovering the absolute best ones. Over the months I have done my research, trying out everything- from the lightweight to the super rich, from those that promise to tone to those that claim to turn back the clock. My efforts paid off and now my skin is so soft it can rival that of a baby’s, for real!

Whether your prone to dryness or not, everyone could use softer skin and I have something on this list that is sure to meet your needs and get you velvety smooth skin.

Read on for my top moisturizing must-haves. [continue reading…]

Gift-getting is awesome. Gift-giving, on the other hand, can be a bit more difficult. When it comes to the ladies in your life- friends, sisters, moms, grandmas, aunts, etc., you really can’t go wrong with something from the beauty department, because really, you can never have enough!

From makeup that bring on the glam to pampering products that replenish the skin as well as the soul, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for the ladies in your life.

Read on to see our top 10! [continue reading…]

Beauty.com, one of our favorite online beauty shops, is famous for their amazing designer collaborations. Just in time for the holidays they’ve teamed up with Erickson Beamon designers Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon to create a gorgeous “Glenda Party Bag” which comes packed with an amazing assortment of 13 deluxe and full-sized must-have beauty products.
The bag can be used as a cosmetic case or a chic clutch and features whimsically printed duchess satin, a bijoux zipper pull, embossed gold logo tassel, and lace and pearl embellishments.

“The Erickson Beamon collaboration offers an accessible splurge for Beauty.com customers,” says Kathleen McNeill, president of Beauty.com. “Whether you’re replenishing beauty must-haves or shopping for holiday gifts, the ‘Glenda Party Bag’ is an affordable luxury.”

The entire set is valued at over $150 but will be your free with any purchase of $100 or more at beauty.com/ericksonbeamon.

So what beauty products can you expect to find in this stunning tote? Read on to find out! [continue reading…]

Bangs are a great way to update your look. There are a lot of different types of bangs- side swept, blunt, whispy, etc., and taking the plunge, or the ‘chop’ can prove to be a difficult and daunting decision. However, getting great results and deciding on a style that will be most flattering is a piece of cake once you’ve determined your face shape. Trust me, being unhappy with the way your bangs come out can seriously suck!

Fortunately, you won’t have to worry about making any mistakes thanks the experts at the Antonio Prieto Salon who gave us a breakdown of which styles will work for the main face-shapes.

Read on to find out which bang-style will work for you! [continue reading…]

You can’t turn on a TV or flip through a magazine without seeing ads for products and treatments that promise to turn back the clock and deliver unprecedented anti-aging results. Some of the most touted products and procedures can cost quite a bundle and how can anyone really be sure they will be getting what they paid for?

According to Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sam Naficy, patients are often unaware of what at-home anti-aging treatments actually work, and end up trying products after being swayed by the marketing hype.

Read on for his assessments on some of the latest anti-aging treatments. [continue reading…]

The colder months can leave your complexion dull, drab, and lifeless. Bronzers just look silly when worn in the winter, I mean, who are you fooling? A great way to combat your winter complexion blues is with a beautiful cheek-shade that will restore life and vitality onto your frozen visage. I am a huge fan of cheek-colors, from creamy versions to shimmery powders. A flirty flush adds the right pop of color to your face and is way more believable than a ‘sun-kissed’ glow.

It’s important to work according to your complexion with all makeup products. However, soft, pinky-hues are pretty much a safe bet and are ultra-flattering for all.

Read on for the best blush to get a gorgeous, healthy flush! [continue reading…]

I don’t know about you, but changing temperatures always leave me with dry, flakey uneven skin. I was recently in Morocco and they have something there that you would never ever find here: spas that offer massages and full body scrubs for $25! After my scrub, my skin looked more radiant than ever before and while I have pretty smooth skin naturally, it had never been so deliciously soft.

After about a week, my baby’s bottom skin was no longer which lead me to rediscover the importance of exfoliating. Body scrubs and exfoliators can stimulate circulation, slough off dead skin, and invigorate the skin, to keep skin healthy and revitalized no matter how bad the weather.

I have so many exfoiators that used to remain untouched, save for a special occasions where I need super smooth legs, but now that is no longer the case and I have committed myself to full body exfoliation at least 1-2 times a week. Our skin is our largest organ so it definitely deserves the most attention.

Read on for my exfoliating must-haves. [continue reading…]

As you all may know by now, I rarely devote posts to single brands unless they are extremely special and unique. Well beauty company Purple Lab more than meets my standards. The brand, created by the beyond-words amazing Karen Robinovitz, is known for their revolutionary ‘huge lips skinny hips’ lip gloss.

What does that mean exactly? Well these glosses are designed to plump your pout (without the sting!) while curbing your appetite. They are formulated with vitamin E for soft, nourished lips, vitamin B3 which stimulates blood flow to the lips creating fullness, orange peel extract which is a natural metabolism booster, Hoodia extract (from a cactus like plant) which has appetite suppressing qualities. [continue reading…]

In this time of economic uncertainty it’s okay to be a little selfish and pinch those pennies. The caveat to this unwritten rule is the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness month. To aid in awareness and finding a cure, many of our favorite beauty brands are giving back in big ways, providing exclusive offerings to benefit this amazing cause. From luxurious body treatments to flirty makeup shades, giving back has never been so easy!

Read on for some of our favorite offerings! [continue reading…]

I rarely dedicate entire posts to a single brand or product. If I do, it’s because the product is so innovative and incredible, it simply can’t be lumped in with anything else.

In this case, I’m talking about Kairos– the first ever hair care line designed to treat and prevent acne. Not only that, it leaves your hair smooth, shiny, and smelling delicious.

I was seriously skeptical when I first heard about this product, I mean, hair products to treat acne? But then I met with founders Catherine Parker and Doreen Campbell who have been treating acne patients for twenty years and pointed out the obvious fact that the skin is essentially one organ and the products used on the scalp can have a major effect on the face, chest, and back- all of which are susceptible to breakouts.

While that made a great deal of sense, my skepticism was far more deeply rooted. About a year ago, my skin inexplicably lashed out and I developed severe acne seemingly out of the blue. As a beauty editor, I had tons of resources at my disposal and I contacted every PR rep I knew and asked for the best acne treatments they had. Everything sounded amazing, but nothing worked. Not only that, my acne got worse and worse. [continue reading…]

I don’t think any gal will deny that you are never fully ready to face the world without a coat or two of mascara. It truly is amazing what a difference a few swipes of a wand can make!

There is nothing sexier than long, luscious lashes- they just give you this bright eyed, subtly sensuous look that is totally irresistible. There are countless mascaras out there that claim to be the end all be all when it comes to long, full lashes. Some work while others leave you with nothing but a big heap of disappointment. One of the best perks about being a beauty writer is I get the opportunity to test out tons of products to discover first hand which ones live up to the hype.

I don’t naturally have long, thick lashes but you would never know it because I’ve discovered which mascaras really mean it!

Read on for my top 5 favorites! [continue reading…]

Cellulite is no laughing matter and is a problem that shoes no discrimination, tainting the bodies of models, celebrities, and regular women alike no matter their shape or size.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 90% of women have cellulite, a problem that can be concealed, but never really cured no matter how hard you diet or exercise.

There are tons of cellulite treatments out there that claim to be miracle cures- creams, gels, pills, lipo, lasers, mechanical massagers, and so on. With so many options out there, it’s hard to know which are worth the investment and actually live up to the hype and which deliver nothing but false hope.

Celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Anthony Youn notes that “although there are certain factors besides age and genes that contribute to cellulite such as alcohol intake and diet, there is no magical cure for cellulite. However, there are a few options which best help to disguise the stubborn problem.”

Dr. Youn has assessed some of the most popular cellulite treatments to see which ones really cut the fat.

Read what he had to say about some of the most popular cellulite treatments after the jump! [continue reading…]

Soft, smooth, nourished skin is important year-round, but is especially essential during the hot summer months, where minimal clothing is the norm. Not only that, the summer months can wreak havoc on our largest organ- the skin. Dryness caused by loss of moisture and essential oils, redness, peeling, clogged pores, age spots, discoloration- ’tis the season to pay special attention to your most essential asset.

During the summer, your focus should not only be on getting your skin to look good, but also on keeping it healthy and nourished from the inside out to prevent any permanent damage.

Check out my to 10 summer skincare essentials after the jump! [continue reading…]

Blazing temperatures are finally upon us which means it’s time to take a less is more approach to makeup. It’s not only about minimalism, investing in the right products is key to keeping your face fresh, healthy, and beautiful. With the summer heat, comes sweating, oily skin, clogged pores, and streaky makeup- none of which are all that fun to deal with.

From smudge-proof eye makeup to lightweight foundation that goes on matte to streak-free cheek-stains- I’ve rounded up the best summer beauty picks guaranteed to help you create gorgeous looks that will stay put in the face of the smoldering heat.

Check out my top picks after the jump! [continue reading…]

There are thousands of products on the market – some of which work and some which don’t – for combating wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin and all the unsightly tell-tale signs of aging. There are innovative procedures such as injections for just about every body part – lips, nasolabial folds, crow’s feet, neck, hands – even feet. There are surgeries to correct just about any flaw you can think up.

I am not against opting for procedures that can safely make me look and feel younger, but I just thought I’d remind you that there are plenty of things you can do to start Aging Backwards that won’t cost an arm and a leg. In fact, they’re free.

Find out what they are after the jump!

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Now that the weather is FINALLY starting to warm up, it’s time to rock your favorite summer sandals. It doesn’t matter how expensive or stunning your sandals are, if your tootsies aren’t in tip-top sandal-worthy shape then you may as well have bought them from the dollar store.

Whether your feet are dry, cracked, callus-ridden, or just in need of some pampering, we’ve got the products guaranteed to get your feet gorgeous and ready for public viewing.

Check them out after the jump! [continue reading…]

Going green in the eco-sense has been a trend for quite some time. Going green in the wardrobe sense is a bit newer to the scene and this shade was a prominent color fixture on this season’s runways. We saw army green at Chloé, mossy green at Louis Vuitton, glitzy green at Balmain, bright green at Lanvin, pale green at Malandrino, pretty green prints at Anna Sui, and many more fantastic interpretations of how to work this shade into your wardrobe.

Greens are more carefree and subdued than some of the other standout colors of this season- like powerhouse pink which is a bit more blatant- and can be tamed for a sleek, minimal style, or taken up a notch for a standout one.

The green trend goes beyond clothing, extending its fabulousness to shoes, bags, accessories, even makeup.

Check out some of my favorite green picks after the jump! [continue reading…]

When the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon set out to find the Fountain of Youth he found Florida instead. He wasn’t the first to look for healing waters that could restore youth, either. The legend goes as far back as the time of Alexander the Great, who supposedly searched for such waters in eastern Asia. Today, we’re still looking for the magic fountain or pill that will keep us young forever. While there’s no “magic” involved, there are ways to look and feel much younger than your chronological age. Almost daily, news reports recount the results of new research covering all aspects of anti-aging and beauty, from advancements in lasers and skin creams that stimulate collagen to revolutionary discoveries for weight loss or the latest injectables that claim to take years off a person’s face.

How do you sort it all out? There are a few simple tips that almost anyone can use to start making changes that can lead to a healthier, more youthful and vibrant look.

Find out what they are after the jump! [continue reading…]

I love a gorgeous sun-kissed glow as much as the next gal. I mean, there’s no denying that pretty much everyone looks better with a tan. On the opposite side of the coin, soaking up the sun, be it the actual sun or the UV lights in tanning beds, is really dangerous and can cause wrinkles, age spots, and of course, skin cancer.

I know it’s tempting to forgo the warnings to give your skin a ‘healthy glow’ but I don’t want any of you to suffer the dire consequences later on, which is why I’ve scoured the market to find the best products to help you get that healthy sun-kissed glow without the unhealthy repercussions. These days, there are amazing products that really do create a realistic glow, nothing oompa-loompa like, I promise!

Here are a few things to remember. When applying a self-tan cream or spray, make sure your skin is totally clean and exfoliated. When it comes to bronzers, dust over the nose, tops of cheeks and forehead- wherever the sun naturally first touches the skin, for a natural look.

Check out my fave faux-glow products after the jump! [continue reading…]

The old adage ‘a little bit goes a long way,’ is true of many things in life, especially makeup! You don’t need to be a makeup pro to know how to make the most out of the contents in your beauty drawer. You don’t even need a face full of perfectly applied on makeup to look amazing. All you really need is to know the right tricks that will deliver maximum results with minimal effort, now who doesn’t love that? Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of liner, or the perfect shade of lipstick, to take you from blah to beautiful in 10 seconds flat.

Read on for six simple little tricks that make a huge difference! [continue reading…]

How many times have you left your favorite lip gloss in “your other bag?” Even if you dump the entire contents of your bag on to your bed, you’re either in a rush or suffering from the euphoric afterglow of your latest handbag purchase.

There are a few items that you need in order to make sure no one gets left behind. No cell phone, wallet, metro card, lip-gloss, pack of gum, left stranded in the infinite abyss of bagdom.

To assist you in achieving the successful bag switch every time, I’ve rounded up included some essential items that make for an easy transfer. From a coin purse to an all-in-one make up palette, this list will surely get you on the right path to becoming a bag swap expert.

Check out my roundup after the jump! [continue reading…]

There are few things worse than a bad hair day, especially one that strikes when you have an important event/party/date yikes! I have a collection of hair products that rivals the drugstore aisle and of these countless items, there are only 5 that I reach for time and time again to get my locks back into shape. Whether your hair is prone to frizz, oil, flatness, and so on,I’ve got the products that will take you from blah to beautiful in no time.

Check out my top 5 hair product picks after the jump! [continue reading…]