Beauty

May 19, 2013

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Prepping for a first date? Don’t Stress!

April 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

first date

It feels like it was only New Year’s Eve the other day and somehow we are already in April! Oh April, there is a reason you are known as National Stress month. While you do remind me of the beginning of spring and warmer temperatures there is also a lot of stress due to it being tax season. So when a hot date night opportunity comes along this month, don’t turn it down. Tell that cutie “yes” because I’m going to give you some tips on how to get ready in half the time with some of my favorite multi-tasking products.

Here is the breakdown:

DeStress Tools

Night before date:

Clairol Nice n’ Easy Root Touch-Up
Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response

Morning of date:

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo

Minutes before date:

COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation

Details:

I may only be in my early 30’s but I’ve had gray hair since the age of eighteen. My father went gray at around the same age so I wasn’t really surprised when it happened to me. Clairol Nice n’ Easy Root Touch-Up is available in 21 shades and works in only ten minutes! I hate the way my gray hair looks like in photographs so you can only imagine how important it is to make a good first impression on a date. Spend those ten minutes the night before wisely with the Easy Root Touch-Up kit and look your best!

Another product I like to get working the night before is Secret’s Clinical Strength Stress Response Deodorant/Antiperspirant. After I handle my Root Touch-Up, I shower, dry and put on Secret’s biggest secret! It has the time to soak into your skin and will keep you fresh with its prescription strength odor protection and is doctor endorsed for women under stress.

If you like, you can add an extra swipe on the day of your date.

The time in which you should use Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo I will leave up to you but I like to use my face products in the morning. This 2-in-1 product combines a hydrating eye cream with an eye serum to provide smoother lids, firmer skin, and longer lashes. Your lashes will look so stunning you won’t need to waste time gluing false ones and making sure they are perfect.

For your final step, you will need COVERGIRL’s Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation. This is literally one of my favorite new products of the season. It’s available in 14 shades (I use Soft Honey) and can be used as your primer, concealer, and foundation.

Quick, easy, yet beautiful! Good luck ladies!

Filed Under: Beauty

Isla Fisher: “Get Rid of Your Scale”

April 16, 2013 by Leave a Comment

isla fisher fitness magazine

Before I even start writing this I need to address the fact that Isla Fisher is 37-years-old! Holy cow, I could not believe it either! The mommy-of-two is featured on the latest cover of Fitness Magazine looking all kinds of adorable. But I wouldn’t expect anything less from the Australian cutie who starred in such films as, “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and “Wedding Crashers”.

Isla spoke to the mag about how she lost weight after giving birth to daughters Olive, aged 5, and Elula, aged 2. I kind of hate when people make losing weight sound so easy so it was refreshing to hear Isla’s honesty when discussing her journey.

I gained 65 pounds with my first baby and 70 with my second. I had severe morning sickness both times, so I mostly ate supersize bowls of white pasta with loads of butter and cheese because that was the only thing that took away the nausea. I also ate late-night cornflakes, Häagen-Dazs ice cream, and scones with jam and cream.
I had to shoot Confessions of a Shopaholic about three months after I gave birth to Olive, so the producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, hired a trainer to work with me three times a week. That was both inspirational and terrifying because I didn’t want to let the trainer down. After I had my second daughter, I slowly lost the weight by breastfeeding, hiking Runyon Canyon, and working with a trainer every couple of weeks.

Fisher, who is promoting her upcoming film, “The Great Gatsby” prefers to keep her home clear of scales! I’m thinking I might have to do this as well!

“I wouldn’t want them to see me weighing myself all the time,” she explains. “I don’t think it sends the right message.”

To read the full interview, click here.

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Can You Look Like Sofia Vergara and Janelle Monae? YES!

March 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Sofia Vergara Janelle Monet

With red carpet season behind us, I catch myself glancing at my favorite photos from the various events looking for make-up inspiration for the spring/summer. Two of the looks that I liked the most were from Sofia Vergara at the Academy Awards and Janelle Monae from the Grammy Awards.

Both ladies kept their looks simple-yet-glam by adding a pop of color to either their eyes or their lips. This is the big beauty trend for the season: flawless skin while highlighting one feature.

Getting this look at home is pretty simple and you can achieve each one with nearly the same steps. Here is the breakdown of products and steps.

Sofia Vergara products

Products Used To Achieve Sofia Vergara’s Look:

Face:
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Soft Honey
COVERGIRL TRUblend Minerals Bronzer in Golden Sunrise
COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Natural Rose
COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Silver Lilac and Purple Pop
COVERGIRL ClumpCrusher Mascara by LashBlast COVERGIRL LiquiLine Blast Eyeliner

Hair:
Herbal Essences Shine Collection
Herbal Essence Tousle Me Softly Tousling Styling Crème

Sofia look 1

1. I put on Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream that is great for hydrating the skin. (not shown in photo)
2. With a foundation brush, I applied COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Soft Honey. This is their newest product and it left my face looking dewy and fresh! New fave! (photo 1)
3. Since eye shadow can fall on your face during application, I like to start with eye make-up. I used a combination of COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Silver Lilac and Purple Pop. (photo 2)
4. Next I used COVERGIRL LiquiLine Blast Eyeliner in Black Fire. (photo 3)

sofia look 2

5. Another favorite product is COVERGIRL ClumpCrusher Mascara by LashBlast. This stuff is amazing and there hasn’t been a clump in sight since I started using it a month ago! (photo 4)
6. For blush, I used COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Natural Rose on the apples of my cheeks. The little blush brush that comes with the blush is perfectly sized to target the right spot. (photo 5)
7. To finish my make-up look I applied COVERGIRL TRUblend Minerals Bronzer in Golden Sunrise as a highlighter. I had never used this product before and I really loved it. The one tip I will give you is that a little bit goes a long way.

Sofia Look 3

8. I washed my hair with Herbal Essences Shine Collection shampoo and conditioner before doing my make-up. (no photo)
9. White it was still humid, I added Herbal Essence Tousle Me Softly Tousling Styling Crème to my hair while scrunching it up. If you want it with deeper waves you can use a hair iron or hot rollers after the product is added.

janelle monet look

As I mentioned previously, most of the products and techniques used on Sofia’s look will be used when getting Janelle’s Grammy look. Two things are different, instead of using purple eye shadow; we are using gold to keep it neutral since our focus will remain on the lips.

CoverGirl products

Products Used To Achieve Janelle Monae’s Look

Face:
COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 Foundation in Soft Honey
COVERGIRL Cheekers Blush in Natural Rose
COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Scarlet Twist
COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Ever Reddy
COVERGIRL ClumpCrusher Mascara by LashBlast
COVERGIRL Liquiline Blast Eyeliner
COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Golden Sunrise

Body:
Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response
Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash

1. Follow steps 2-3 (after showering with Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash), using COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers 1-Kit Shadow in Golden Sunrise during step 2. The color is gorgeous and will look well on women of all shades. Just sweep across the lid with an eyeshadow brush or with the applicator brush that comes with the shadow.
2. Follow steps 4-6.
3. Using COVERGIRL LipPerfection Jumbo Gloss Balm in Scarlet Twist, line your lips and then fill it in with the same pencil.
4. I’m so loving COVERGIRL’s nail polish collection and our girl Janelle used Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Ever Reddy. Give yourself a manicure that matches those sexy red lips!
5. Add a pretty hat and you got the look! Just don’t forget to use your Secret Clinical Strength Stress Response deodorant before heading out the door!

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: ,

“Girls” star Allison Williams lands endorsement deal with Simple Skincare

February 7, 2013 by 1 Comment

Allison Simple_1

With her flawless skin on display every Sunday on the HBO hit Girls, it was only a matter of time before Allison Williams landed her first endorsement deal! The beautiful brunette today launched her first big beauty deal with Simple®, a range of facial skincare products that is perfect even for sensitive skin. The new marketing campaign reveals how Williams relies on Simple products to counter the many factors that can trigger her sensitive skin, including make-up, weather and pollution.

“As a longtime fan of Simple skincare, I was so excited when they approached me about becoming their brand ambassador,” said Williams in a statement released to the press. “I love that their products keep my skin healthy-looking, without irritating it, because Simple is made for sensitive skin, like mine.”

Williams, who just spent some time enjoying our beautiful beaches in Miami, made her first public appearance as the new face of the brand on February 6 at a New York City red carpet premiere for the documentary MAKERS: Women Who Make America, proudly presented by Simple, which will air on Tuesday, February 26 at 8 p.m. ET on PBS (check your local listings). The documentary shares the brand’s like-minded vision of celebrating women whose authenticity, ideals and pioneering spirit inspire others every day.

Here is the list of Simple’s Newest Products in stores now:

Simply Skincare Products_1

* NEW Simple Facial Foaming Cleanser removes impurities and remaining traces of make-up, leaving skin cleansed, refreshed and moisturized.
* NEW Simple Oil-Balancing Cleansing Facial Wipes help control shine and refresh skin.
* NEW Simple Eye Make-Up Remover Pads effectively remove make-up, even waterproof mascara without leaving a greasy residue.
* NEW Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer with SPF 15 helps protect skin from UVA and UVB rays.
* NEW Simple Radiance Cleansing Facial Wipes cleanse and remove impurities for healthy-looking, radiant skin.

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Boost Your Beauty Routine and Be Ready for Spring!

January 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment

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I don’t know about you girls but when winter comes around I tend to slack a bit when it comes to my beauty routine. I’ve been wearing lots of cute hats, pants and flats so you can only imagine where I’ve been cutting corners, am I right? With spring just around the corner, I’ve begun tweaking my diet (hello bikini season!) and going over my beauty routine to see what needs to be improved. It got me thinking that many of you are probably going through the same and could benefit from some of the changes I’ve made.

First I needed to tackle the grey hairs that keep making an appearance in my close-up photographs. My dad had salt and pepper hair by his late teens and I surprisingly inherited this trait from him in my early twenties. Hair dye will always be a part of my life and finding the right one can be tricky. Since I only get grey hair on top, I use Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-Up in Black. There is no point in dying my entire head of hair when only a handful of hair needs to go back to black.

The process takes 10 minutes and lasts up to three weeks!

Another hair woe is dandruff which that won’t let up until temperatures get a lot warmer. Those pesky white flakes really annoy me so I’ve been using Head & Shoulders new Damage Rescue Collection which nurtures the scalp and leaves hair up to 10X stronger in just four washes. The conditioner was specifically developed to help dry/damaged hair by retaining moisture and improving hair flexibility.

Speaking of moisture, the colder temperatures have not only reduced moisture in my scalp but also on my body. Olay’s Ultra Moisture Body Wash gently cleanses skin with their soap-free formula while the shea butter moisturizes even the driest skin for up to 24 hours. Did I mention it smells delicious too?!

Now to tackle the most embarrassing topic of them all, shaving. I haven’t worn a dress since November and I will admit to you all that I haven’t been shaving my legs all that regularly. EEK! I know, but don’t judge me! I like to tell myself that that extra bit of hair on my legs keeps me a little warmer. But with spring upon us, I won’t be able to separate from my Venus + Olay razor. I never need to purchase shaving cream as long as I have my favorite razor (Sugarberry is my favorite!). It also works great on your bikini line! BONUS!

What are some of your favorite products that will help you welcome the spring?

 

Filed Under: Beauty

First Look: Katie Holmes for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment

Katie Holmes for Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown shied away from attaching a celebrity face to her eponymous cosmetics line for years, but things changed when she met Katie Holmes. As we announced in early September, Holmes signed on to represent the brand in various promotional advertisements set to debut in 2013. In the first official ad shown above, Katie is promoting Bobbi Brown’s new Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks hits stores in February and will cost $28.00.

Here is a little more scoop on their collaboration from our interview with Bobbi herself in November:

“I never set out to hire a celebrity. It’s not like we sat down and said, whose available? We are not a brand that really promotes celebrity. But I had met her through friends when she just came to New York and I liked her instantly.

Since I do fashion shows, I asked her if I could do her show [during New York Fashion Week S/S 2013] and she was so thrilled. I was looking at her, and I don’t think she had very much make-up or any at all, and I asked her if she would ever consider doing a collaboration and it happened. I’m really proud of the choice because she is amazing! She really is as unassuming and as nice as you can imagine. She is normal and she’s working really hard trying different things.

The ads will be breaking in January, and we’re still figuring it all out. She will probably be in 3 or 4 different things and then in the fall we worked on a Katie/Bobbi palette which you can imagine will be the perfect palette for brunettes!”

The Bobbi Brown brand has always represented the everyday woman, and Katie as a working woman and a mom, fits the bill to a t. I hope Katie, though she has a seriously hectic schedule, plans to visit local markets to promote her partnership with Bobbi. Make sure you don’t forget us girls in Miami!

Filed Under: Beauty

Budget Beauty: 25 Products you can’t live without in 2013

January 7, 2013 by 2 Comments

PG_BeautyGrooming_LOGO (Medium)_1

The holidays are officially over and many of you are going over your lists of resolutions to implement in the new year. On the top of my list is taking better care of myself that includes loving my skin more and saving up money for that vacation to Spain I’ve been dying to take!With the help of P&G Beauty, I plan to get closer to achieving these goals by using products from Aussie, Clairol, CoverGirl, Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Olay, Pantene, Secret and Venus. And I know that I can’t be alone! Many of you out there want to look and feel your best without breaking the bank! So I road tested 25 products during the holiday break that you can use 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Below, you will see how I was able to implement them into my beauty routine during regular days that I’d be spending at home as well as my transition to a night out on the town for New Years Eve and for a visit with family during Noche Buena. All of the items were under $25.00 and all are from brands you have come to know and trust.

Plus with most of the country suffering from winter weather, right now is the perfect time to tweak your beauty routine. Whether it’s having to go a shade lighter on your foundation, switch to a dandruff shampoo, or amp up the moisture in your day/night creams to ensure your skin stays hydrated, P&G Beauty has the product for you!

Below is the breakdown of products and how I used them and below that you will find photos of my looks! Let me know which is your favorite!

Look 1: Welcome the Winter

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1. Head & Shoulders Green Apple Shampoo/Conditioner
2. Gillette Venus +Olay Razor
3. Secret Outlast Deodorant
4. Olay Total Effects Tone Correcting CC Cream
5. Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color

The first thing that happens to me as soon as the end of November and early December arrives is that my scalp gets dry. Eeek! Yes, dandruff is that silent annoyance that no one talks about but many people suffer from. Trust me, I’ve gone to visit friends and have spotted bottles of Head & Shoulders in their showers! (Yes I check out peoples stock of beauty products, don’t judge me!)

Their latest Green Apple scented duo (Item #1) leaves your hair smelling like spring.

Tired of having to lather before shaving? Gillette says you don’t have to! Their Venus & Olay Razor in new Sugarberry Scent (Item #2) gently exfoliates and helps replenish skin’s moisture in one step.

Secret has your back (or shall I say your pits?!) with their Outlast deodorant featuring 48 hour protection (Item #3). The clear gel can be applied after your shower the night before or the morning of for maximum protection against odor.

Taking your skin from summer into winter fall can leave your face a little uneven. Olay’s CC (Color & Correction) Cream from their Total Effects 7-in-1 line (Item #4) can help you sort that little problem out. The tone correcting properties help you balance and even out your tone while hooking you up with broad spectrum SPF 15 sun protection. Don’t cut out sun block during winter months because snow and ice reflect UV rays.

Say bye bye to grays with Clairol’s Natural Instincts with Week 2 ColorFresh (Item #5) ! I’ve had stray grays since I was 18 years old so I have to freshen up my color quite often. This product works in ten minutes and helped my color last a lot longer.

Look 2: Christmas Eve Fiesta

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1. Pantene Pro-V Damage Rescue Silky Moisture Whip
2. Herbal Essences Anti-Frizz Crème
3. CoverGirl & Olay Pressed Powder
4. CoverGirl Cheekers Blush
5. CoverGirl Outlast Lip Color

As a Latina, we celebrate Noche Buena which lands on the night of December 24th versus the traditional 25th. So I wanted to look my best while visiting with family and friends for dinner. I didn’t want to overdo the look so I styled my hair in a low bun and kept my make-up simple with a bit of blush and long lasting lip color.

Hair:
Pantene released a revolutionary product this year, Silky Moisture Whip Moisturizer + Styler (Item #1), that tons of women fell in love with. This product is great for women with curly hair, straight hair, and all hair types in between.

I put at least two dollops of the Whip into my towel-dry hair since I have really thick hair. Those of you with finer hair might need to go down to just a dollop so you don’t use too much.

I have straight hair with a bit of frizz that was tamed by this product. Plus the moisture it added (for up to 48 hours!) makes this a must-have item in my beauty regimen.

After my hair air-dried, I did a side part in the front and combed the rest into a low bun. I then used Herbal Essences Anti-Frizz Crème (Item #2) to tame the fly-aways.

Make-Up:
When CoverGirl and Olay team up for a product I get really excited! I don’t have much time in the morning to get ready for my day so getting two products in one really cuts down on prep time.

For this look, I applied their newest Pressed Powder in Medium/Dark (Item #3) with a large make-up brush. You can use the included puff if you prefer but I use that for touch-ups once I’ve left home.

The sun might be in hiding but that doesn’t mean you have to lose that bright sun-kissed look! I used CoverGirl’s Cheekers Blush in #150 Pretty Peach (Item #4) for instant cheekbones. And since eating and lots of kissing of relatives on the cheek was on the agenda, I finished my look with CoverGirl’s Outlast All-Day Lipcolor in #530 Dusty Rose (Item #5).

Look 3: Christmas Day

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1. Herbal Essences “Honey I’m Strong” Shampoo & Conditioner
2. Herbal Essences “Honey I’m Strong” Rinse Off Treatment
3. Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Day Serum
4. CoverGirl LastBlast 24 Hour Mascara
5. CoverGirl Outlast Lip Color

Noche Buena was a huge success but on Christmas Day I’m tired and to be honest, a little hungover. I have friends coming over to exchange gifts and so I need to get myself together! The theme of this look is: refresh/rehydrate/recover.

Hair:
Nothing makes me feel better than a warm shower to wipe away the make-up and hair product away and start anew. I used Herbal Essences new “Honey, I’m Strong” shampoo and conditioner (item #1) on my hair which smells all kinds of delicious! Part of the line includes their rinse out treatment (Item #2) that helps leave my hair silky and strong.

Make-Up:
After a night of drinks and overeating my face needs a bit of help to look perky and awake! I used Olay’s Age Defying Instant Hydration Day Serum (Item #2) to boost hydration as my base. It perked up my look so nice I didn’t even need to add powder!

My secret weapon from this look is CoverGirl’s Lashblast mascara in Very Black (Item #4). Between the 24 hour formula and their large brush with flexible bristles, my lashes helped my entire face look perky and awake all day! I finished my look with CoverGirl’s Outlast Lip Color in #570 My Papaya (Item #5).

Look #4: New Years Eve

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1. Simply Olay Body Wash
2. Pantene Pro V Stylers Shaping Extra Hol Hairspray
3. CoverGirl Eye Enhancers
4. CoverGirl Outlast Lipstick
5. CoverGirl Cheekers Blush

Even though 2012 was a spectacular year, I’m ready to welcome 2013 in style! One of the hottest trends of the year was the top knot, worn by celebrities including Eva Mendes, Jennifer Lopez, and Jessica Alba, is what I’m going to imitate for a special new years eve party I’m attending. For my make-up I’m going to apply a smoky eye look with a bit of color on my cheeks.

To get the party started, I kicked off my night with a shower and a bottle of Simply Olay’s Simply Nurture in Coconut Milk (Item #1). The newest scent from the collection left me smelling so fabulous, I didn’t even need to wear perfume!

Hair:
To channel my inner Eva Mendes, I put my hair up in a high ponytail and wrapped two ties (one above the other). I lightly sprayed Pantene’s Pro V Stylers Anti-Humidity Hairspray (Item #2) on my hair before gently teasing it. I then took the whole tail and twisted it in circle while securing with bobby pins.

Make-Up:
New Years Eve is all about kicking up the glam so I used CoverGirl Eye Enhancers in #440 Shimmering Onyx and #445 Golden Sunrise (Item #3) to blend together for a smoky eye. Keeping my peepers as the focus, I kept the rest of my look simple with CoverGirl Outlast Lipstick in #598 Forever Fawn (Item #4) and CoverGirl Cheekers in #4 Plumberry Glow (Item #5).

Look #5: New Years Day

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1. Head & Shoulders Damage Rescue Shampoo & Conditioner
2. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Deeeeep Conditioner
3. Gillette Venus Embrace Razor
4. Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse
5. CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor

Happy New Year! You’ve made it, even if you are a little worse for wear after celebrating into the wee hours last night. No worries though, the five products above will help you start the year off right.

Hair:
After a busy season full of parties, events, and get-togethers, it’s time to repair from head-to-toe. As soon as I wake up I hit the shower with my Head and Shoulders Damage Rescue Shampoo and Conditioner (Item #1). My hair has been looking a little dry so I add Aussie’s 3 Minute Miracle (Item #2) to bring back life into my hair.

Before I leave I have a quick (and close) shave with my Venus Embrace Razor (Item #3).

I won’t be using any styling tools so I opt for Herbal Essences Tousling Mousse (Item #4) which gives me sexy waves and helps keep frizz at bay.

Make-Up:
Today is the day I will wear nearly no make-up except a swipe of CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor in #521 Eternal Flames.

Check out my final looks below:

Look 1:
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Look 2:
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Look 3:
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Look 4:
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Look 5:
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Filed Under: Beauty