New York Fashion Week - Edgy Makeup Picks

Happy New York Fashion Week!

This is my absolute favorite time of the year .. besides Fashion Week it is the beginning of fall. The air is crisp and the trends and fashion finds are emerging. I have many new fall blog posts launching soon with many new products for you to learn about!

Today I posted a picture on Instagram - @PrettyInNewYorkCity 

I wanted to share some edgy fashion forward makeup pics for fashion week in my favorite color ... purple! You'll see below that the names definitely coincide with fashion week! With a pop of a contrast color. Product details are below:

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Fashion Rebel (how fitting?)

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Tender Night

Chanel Le Volume Mascara in Black - my holy grail

MAC Blush in Full of Joy

MAC Eyeliner in Designer Purple from the Archie Collection

LANVIN Eclat Parfum

Happy Fashion Week!

Fall Blog Posts to come soon.

Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom Review and Swatches

Photo Courtesy of Burberry

My favorite Burberry flats with Peony and Purple Tulip.

Burberry Lip & Cheek Bloom launched in April 2015. These are so Burberry - very light, refreshing, luxurious, but also has a purpose. The Lip & Cheek Bloom's have a very creamy, velvet texture and are tints for your lips and cheeks. These are available in 6 shades:

Rose No.01

Hydrangea No.03

Peony No.05

Orange Blossom No.07

Poppy No.09

Purple Tulip No.11

The colors go on more sheer and blend out beautifully. They are great for layering or to wear alone. My favorite application is on the lips alone. It fills in any cracks, fine lines, and hydrates. On the cheeks you have to wear them on fresh clean skin or on top of a BB Cream - they are so natural looking that if worn on top of foundation it can become lost. 

Overall I say try one or two like I did - they are pricey at $30 each. However, a little goes a long way so the glass jar should last for a bit. These are perfect for those dry and cool fall and winter months. 

Left: Heavy Swatch          Right: Blended Out

You can find them at Nordstrom.com and if you click below they are having a FREE beauty gift! Order yours today with anything else you may need!

New Beauty Alert - Louboutin Lipstick

The iconic shoe designer who started designing handbags moved into the ever growing beauty business. Christian Louboutin first launched the brand Nail Polish last year - jaws dropped at how beautiful his new creation was. The attention to detail and the structure of the bottle was insane ... but would we ever expect less from Mr. Louboutin?

Well I have the newest and latest beauty news - Christian Louboutin will leave us breathless again with the new lipstick line. Said to be coming out this Fall 2015, the line of 36 colours comes in a bullet that completes destroys any lipstick tube I've ever seen before. Inspired by the Egyptian queen Nefertit, these bullets are black or gold and contain jewels and crown top that has a loop at the top. But it doesn't stop there that loop is there for a reason - you can make into a fierce statement necklace when your lip shade is finito. One tube will set you back a whopping $90 but can you resist? Let me know your thoughts!

I salute you AGAIN Christian Louboutin - you are an inspiring and innovative man.

Day dreaming of these beauties until September which then I will be able to match my lips with my nails to the bottom of my shoes.

Brow Transformations and Eyebrow Tips

Brows are everything - they can make or break you. Each and every person has their own shape that frames your face, this is why stencils don't work! Here are some helpful tips for having amazing brows ...

1. STOP waxing - seriously stop the madness. You don't know how many clients I know that have had their eyebrows ruined from waxing. Waxing always takes off more hair than it should and isn't as accurate. 

2. Let your brows grow at least 3 weeks before your first shaping.

3. Get your brows shaped every 2-3 weeks. If you have fast hair growth you will need to go sooner. Don't wait too long though because then you start to lose the shape you wanted so badly.

4. When filling in your brows waxes and pencils are great for creating an illusion of hair that isn't there. Powders are good just to enhance what you already have - no matter what you should ALWAYS fill in your brows.

5. Not growing?? Try using castor oil or coconut oil

Here are some of my before and after shapings ... 

My Top 3 Sunless Tanner - Self Tanner Picks!

In New York the weather has been so up and down - one day 90 and sunny the next 70 and raining. With the hectic lives that we all live just to pay our bills who honestly has time to sit in the sun for hours upon hours trying to get that perfect glow? Solution - Sunless Tanner.

Benefits of sunless tanning -  won't damage the skin or cause wrinkles, UVA/UBA free, look thinner, and gives confidence.

I have been an avid user of self tanners since I was 16 years old .. so after 10 years I guess you could call me an expert. I also was a spray tanning technician for a few years. In my younger (more stupid) years I also used to go in a tanning bed everyday for a few years. Now I am paying for it and have had multiple pieces of skin taken off, let's be real ... actually cut out, that were pre-cancerous. The picture below was one of those times ...

 

So I promised my Mom, who has always worked for Oncologists, that I wouldn't go indoor tanning and haven't in a few years. So let's be clear ... my skin is basically ... well clear. I am being dramatic but I am pale, very pale. I have tried EVERY self tanner there is out there. The 3 I am going to share are the best of the best (in America.) I gave you a choice of a spray, a mousse, and a cream depending on your preference. 

#1 Quick Tan by Body Drench Spray in Medium to Dark

I recommend using this outdoors because of the mist that it causes. However, I spray myself in my shower. It creates a bit of a mess but it is well worth it. It gives you the most dark, natural, rich tan. It is my absolute favorite for the face. Did I mention it has a Cocoa Vanilla Scent and doesn't smell like self tanner at all. It can be tricky to spray your back or the back of your legs so you might need some assistance. The trick is to hold the can 6-8 inches away from the targeted area and stay in a constant motion. The photo below was the Quick Tan Spray on my arm and the Quick Tan Cream on my leg .. you can see how perfect and different the two are! This was after one application on my very pale skin.

This product is a little hard to find but you can find it online, Harmon's, or CosmoProf. Around $15 Overall Product rating: 10

#2 St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse

This product is my second favorite! It applies as a dark mousse so you know where you have placed the product and where you need to still apply. It is literally fool proof. It also has a very dark, rich color that lasts me about 5-7 days. It dries completely in around 60 seconds. The innovative Aromaguard™ fragrance technology eliminates the tell-tale self tan aroma by a minimum of 70%. You can find this product at Sephora for $32. I scored this product a little lower just because of the amount of tanner I go through it is pricey.

Overall Product Rating: 9

#3 Coppertone Sunless Tanning - Gradual Tan Cream

I love love love this self tanner! It has a similar smell to the other Coppertone products which I love. In just one application you will achieve a beautiful golden glow. This product also contains moisturizers, because it's a cream, that the other two don't so it actually helps lengthen the life of your tan. The only downfall is that it goes on clear so you just have to pay attention as to where you need to apply. It is absolutely not streaky at all!!! You can find this at any drugstore or Wal-Mart for around $8

Overall Product Rating: 9

I hope this list will help you get the color that you are looking for. I will have another post soon about how to prep and maintain your sunless tanning. 

This meme is literally me.

My secret to whiter teeth in just 5 minutes and on a budget!!

So I drink a lot of coffee .. well let's keep it real - I drink a lot of Starbucks. I recently received a gift card for $50 for my college graduation and I think it lasted me 2 weeks. It's a real problem; I'm aware. So if you are an avid coffee or tea drinker like I am, if you are super nasty and unhealthy and smoke, or you just want to have pearly whites - I have just the trick.

I have had some free time on my hands and have decided to work on myself. Teeth are very important to me; the first thing I look at on someone is their smile. I bet I've never told you I was originally going to school to be an orthodontist then switched to fashion and beauty marketing - but that's neither here nor there.

I began hunting for the best teeth whiter I could find at the drugstore. You don't have to go to the dentist and spend a couple hundred dollars - you don't even have to spend $40-$50 on Crest White Strips. I recommend Plus White 5 Minute Premier Whitening System. I bet you can't wait to hear what is costs? Well I found it at Harmon for $8.99 - I also had a 20% off coupon (which you can find online or use the Bed Bath & Beyond coupons) and the total was $7.20.

All you do is put the gel in the tray and wait anywhere from 5-20 minutes. I recommend doing it once a day although the package says twice a day because any whitening makes your teeth sensitive. You will notice a big difference after just 4 days!! It also comes with a Stain Guard Rinse that removes plaque and prepares your teeth for optimal whitening.

Happy Whitening Beauties!!

Recap: Top 5 Best Instagram Beauty Posts From Last Week

Happy Spring! April showers really do bring on May flowers. This whole week in New York it is raining. At least I'll get some use out of my favorite Stewart Weitzman rain boots!

Enough about the rain, let's talk about beauty! I love finding new inspiration and new pages to follow on Instagram. The talent that others have is incredible. It's also fun to see a product photographed beautifully. Most accounts that I follow are beauty, health, or fashion related. Even if I am not following them, I check so many makeup artists and bloggers daily. If you want to see who I follow head to my page @prettyinnewyorkcity

These are my top 5 beauty posts from last week

1. @_dose_of_beauty

When I saw this I was in awe! Everyone's version of art is different - this is mine! This was hand done using only makeup on her forearm. It amazes me how talented someone can be to recreate an entire eye and look at that brow!

2. @elymarino

I am obsessed with the new Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lips.They are so creamy yet so pigmented! I love this picture of the shades from light to dark with the bright blue pool in the background. 

3. @sarahmcgphoto

This reminded me of a look I did for Halloween at the MAC counter. My client was being some sort of super hero but I contoured her face in color! I love contouring in color for runway, pictures, or parties it's so fun and avant garde!

4. @ingalala_

@MakeupByAriel worked her magic. The lip color and the brows are amazing. But seriously though, lash game on FLEEK! There are @LillyLashes in Milan and Sky. 

5. @beautylookbook

Beauty Look Book is a smaller blog that often has really cute pictures. I chose this picture because I hand selected these colors for the blog and mailed them to her from Burberry! I love how she photographed them over the flowers but you are still able to see the lipstick shade. Plus, it's always nice to see my work online!! These lipsticks are from the Kisses collection and can be found on Burberry.com 

Best Lotions for Dry Skin

The worst part about it being March 5th is that is was snowing all day today! I love the snow but come on - it didn't snow all Winter but decides to snow once a week now. With the snow and harsh 1 digit temperatures us New Yorkers have been experiencing, what else do we get to enjoy? Dry skin. I suffer from eczema and sometimes I just want to itch my legs off. With these lotions and creams I have used this Winter I promise you will have much softer, smoother, and quenched skin. 

1. CeraVe - Moisturizing Cream - $15.99

 

This has been my savor this year! As you can see there is a huge dent in this jar and this is my second one this Winter. My dermatologist recommended this to me for my eczema. He said I could find it in any drug store or grocery store. I didn't believe him - I always need something stronger with a steroid or cortisone in it. My skin can be so dry and itchy; as soon as I put this on it completely takes that feelings away. 

CeraVe even has a stamp on the back that says it is Accepted by the National Eczema Association. 

It isn't greasy at all and has something called MVE - MultiVescular Emulsion which provides a controlled release of essential ceramides and other skin-nurturing and emollient ingredients over time. Also infused with hyaluronic acid to help keep your skins moisture in tact. The only thing I don't love is the smell - it's fragrance free and just smells bland. 

Tip: Use this all over when you get out of the shower. You will wake up with smooth, hydrated skin.

2. Soap and Glory - The Righteous Butter™ Body Lotion $24.00 at Sephora

Another ultra smoothing lotion is from Soap & Glory. "This lush yet surprisingly lightweight hydrator delivers the perfect level of moisture to dry skin. Its rich, deep-sinking formula is made with shea and cocoa seed butters, sweet almond and rosehip seed oils, aloe vera, vitamin E, and a special seaweed-sourced smoother. This lotion goes on silky—never greasy—and swiftly replenishes moisture to dry elbows, knees, and feet. " The best part is it has notes of vanilla, sandalwood, and bergamont. It smells amazing and it super hydrating at the same time!

Tip: Put this lotion on before you get dressed in the morning. It will keep you hydrated and smelling delicious all day!

I hope if you are having dry skin issues you consider trying one of these products. They have helped me so much!! Let me know what you think, stay warm, and bring on Spring!!

New Beauty News - Burberry Launches Two New Fragrances ... Brit Rhythm Floral and Brit Intense

I can officially announce Burberry is launching two new fragrances from their Brit Rhythm line. Suki Waterhouse is the face of this campaign and her she couldn't be more perfect - for the campaign and just in life!

These pictures of Suki and George Barnett are gorg! They look ridiculously cool and edgy in the leather digs and typical Burberry Brit clothing. If you don't know him - George is a British musician which is what the fragrance embodies. It's all about being casual but rock and roll at the same time. It is inspired by the "Intense connection, energy, and adrenaline" backstage after a live performance." 

Brit Rhythm Floral - Women

Egypitian Lotus, Jasmine, Lilac and Ambery Woods

Brit Rhythm Intense - Men

Leather, Patchouli, Juniper and Guaiac Wood

Fragrance launches soon! I can't wait for you to smell it!

Watch the film here!

MAC Viva Glam x Miley Cyrus for 2015 & Swatches !!

 

MAC is known for their daring colors and bold personality. Viva Glam all started with Rupaul as their spokesperson. MAC wanted to make a difference in the Aids Community - and they did! Other celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, and Nicki Minaj have joined this campaign.

 

Well now MAC has snagged one of the most talked about celebrities in 2014, Miley Cyrus. Although most of Mileys hype hasn't been very positive it was smart to make her the face of Viva Glam. She has had so much attention and publicity it will spread the awareness.

 

 

Every single cent is donated to the Viva Glam Aids Foundation!

 

Lipstick $16.00

Lipglass $15.00

photo cred: @MAC cosmetics

 

The lipstick is comparable to other shades MAC has produced but it's for a great cause! But, can I tell you I am absolutely in love with the Lip Glass!! Head over to your nearest MAC counter to grab these two beauties.

 

photo cred: @nikkietutorials

 

The Best Skin Exfoliator and Face Scrub I Have Ever Used ..

Happy Sunday Beau!!

As many of my readers know I have worked in the beauty industry for about 10 years. I started when I was in high school and instantly fell in love. With that being said - I have tried so many products within those 10 years. These were either purchased by me, given to me from the company I worked for, or won through a contest. Brands can include, Kate Somerville, Dr. Gross, NARS, Estee Lauder, GlamGlow, Kiehl's - just to name a few.

When I tried the Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub Sea Kelp + CGF I knew this was it! I received a sample in my Birchbox a few months ago and I am so happy I did. For the price it is absolutely amazing! Taken from the Acure website - the product description says, "'Seas' the day with natural exfoliation from the ocean!  Organic Sea Kelp gently exfoliates your skin while French Green Clay and Organic Lemon Peel remove impurities from your pores. Organic Chlorella Growth Factor and Argan Stem Cells help stimulate new cell growth while providing a deep cleansing, brightening experience. 'Sea' the difference today!"

Click read more below for pictures and my other favorite and glamorous scrubs!

My Shopping Outfit of the Day ... OOTD

Hi Beauties!

I have been in such a blah mood recently. I need to get more motivated because I start my internship again soon! I think it's the cold weather. It has been brutal outside. I am currently in the works of making some beauty products but more details on that later.

On to more fun things to talk about ... shopping! I had to go to the mall to get mascara, pay a bill, and to get a pair of sneakers that I desperately needed to work out in. I wanted to get some ankle boots but I am waiting until they go on sale (I never buy anything full price - unless it's designer and I know it's either going to sell out or not go on sale.)

I wanted to show you a glimpse of what I wear when I go shopping, I haaaate when girls wear heels or tight jeans when they are going to do a lot of walking and probably going to be trying clothes on. It's not cute!!!!! Anyway, I think you should be comfortable. This is what I wore to the mall the other day.

Jacket: Helmut Lang .. from Fall '14 but similar here

Sweatpants: H&M 

Scarf: H&M ... similar here

Shoes: Gucci ... from last year but find exact shoe here

Bag: Forever 21 ... again bought in fall but find similar here

Coffee: Starbucks obviously!

Click read more below to see what I bought and more pictures!

3 Things You Need To Have in Your Home - and a sneak peak at my new apartment!

Hi Beauties!

I haven't been able to blog that much due to work and the holidays. Now ring in the New Year - I made a promise to myself that I will publish a blog at least twice a week! With that being said, I have been recovering from a herniated disc the last few months. Yesterday, New York finally decided to snow, after having such a dry or rainy season. I live on a really big hill and needless to say I slipped, fell and back to the hospital I went. Ugh!!! Do NOT wear UGGs in the snow or in slippery conditions .. I can almost guarantee you will bust your ass.

On to the blog post ... I just moved in to my new apartment and I am in love. It took forever to get here but it finally happened. Besides beauty and fashion I love to decorate. I believe having an a home decorated and organized can make you feel so relaxed. I also love scents - candles are my favorite because of the soothing glow that emits fragrance into the air. Below are three things that I think should be in your home that are in mine!

A Cozy Comforter
You should get into bed and feel so comfortable that you don't want to get out in the morning! Although you have to unless you want to be homeless because life - well we won't get into all of that. Let me give you a word of advice .. your bed should never have anything else on it other than pillows, comforter, sheets, your dog, etc. Don't ever take off your clothes and put it on your bed - or my biggest pet peeve, putting a purse or shoes on a bed. Your bed should be clean - sheets washed once a week!!! I could go on and on. I haven't bought my new mattress yet, but this is the bed set I bought for my room. Doesn't it look so comfy?!

A Buddha Statue Candle Holder
Okay this is a necessity for me! It brings me so much zen. This candle holder is also the statue of a Buddha which is known for protection, relaxation, and warding off negative energy. I have the candle Marshmallow Fireside from Bath and Body Works which is a really warming scent for me.

 I bought my Buddha candle holder from Party Lite about 6 months ago and it has been discontinued. But you can find one similar here!
Find the Marshmallow Fireside Candle Here! - on sale now for $10 that is 55% off!!

Memory Foam Bath Mats
I can not stand the feeling of a wet floor when I get out of the shower. I love stepping out onto my new memory foam mats. I got them from Home Goods for FREE! haha I had a gift certificate from Christmas so I didn't pay a dollar.

As you know Home Goods is inconsistent with product and not available online so I found a similar one here! P.S. isn't my shower curtain so chic!

I hope you all will implement at least one of these into your home! I promise you will love it! On that note - goodnight I'm going to watch tv next to Buddha :)