Review: Firmoo Glasses

I've always had near perfect vision my whole life, and while this is going to sound silly, I actually used to want glasses.  When I was growing up, many of my friends had them and in some strange way, I guess I felt like I was missing out on something (crazy right?).  Now that I'm older and know the importance of it, I wouldn't trade my good vision for the world, but I still marvel at how sophisticated a person can look with a really chic pair of glasses.  And today, glasses have become more then a necessity for one's vision, they've waltzed their way right into the world of fashion! 

When Firmoo.com invited me to sample a pair of glasses from their website, I couldn't resist.  I chose a pair of fashion glasses (no prescription) with black, rectangular frames and a cheeky camouflage print on the insides. They're fun, super stylish and beyond adorable. 

The site is easy to navigate and gives you simple instructions on how to select a pair, making the process quick and painless.  They arrived promptly (less then a week), and came in a sleek black case with the Firmoo logo on top and a soft cleaning cloth inside.  They also came with a convenient black vinyl carrying case and screw tightener to have on hand for emergencies.

I loved the look and feel of these frames.  They were sturdy and lightweight at the same time.  It seemed as though many of the glasses were unisex, so mine were just a tad too big.  But overall I've enjoyed wearing them.  The selection is slightly limited, but it is definitely a quality selection that is worth the money.  If you are looking for glasses whether be it for necessity, or purely fashion, Firmoo is a fabulous site to check out.   

Get the Look: Oscars 2013

Pureology's Global Artistic Director, Wendy Bélanger and Pure Artist Sandra Joseph offer step by step tips on how to recreate the Crème de la crème red carpet looks from last night's Oscars Awards using Pureology's Colour Stylist styling products.

                                                Anne Hathaway

 

1. Blow dry hair with a denman brush and Nourshing Nectar sculpting gel layered with Lustrous Volumizer bodifying glaze in a directional blowdry from side to side.

2. Set hair on a 1" curling iron using Strengthening Control zero dulling hairspray.

3. Smooth hair by running fingers though hair with a small amount of Control Twist high hold liquid wax for texture and movement.

4. Finish with Strengthening Control zero dulling hairspray.

 

 

                                           

                                             Jessica Chastain

1. Blow dry hair with 2 drops of Reviving Red Illuminating Caring Oil and Silk Bodifier voluminizing mousse for shine control and volume.

2. Create a deep side part and set hair in a 1 1/2 inch curling iron using Supreme Control zero dulling hairspray for long lasting hold.

3. Smooth hair with a soft bristle brush and finish with Supreme Control zero dulling hairspray and Radiance Amplifier anti frizz shine spray for shine and polish.

                                             Jennifer Lawrence

1. Apply Root Lift spray hair mousse on damp hair from roots to ends and blow dry for volume and texture. Apply a small amount of Anti Breakage Twist shine texturizer all over dry hair for added hold and definition.

2. Gather hair in the back and secure into a low pony tail. Tease the ponytail and create a low bun. Mist the hair with Supreme Control zero dulling hairspray for extra support.

3. Loosely gather hair from left side, twist the ends and wrap around the bun. Secure with pins. Repeat on right side.

4. Comb fingers through the top section of hair, twist the ends of loose strands and wrap around the bun, securing with pins.

5 Finish with a mist of Supreme Control zero dulling hairspray for extra hold and shine.

Versatile Blogger Award

Thank you so much to Kez from the fabulous lifestyle blog StuffnThings for nominating me for The Versatile Blogger Award.  It's beyond flattering to be recognized by your peers for such an amazing accomplishment.  Thanks girl :)


The rules

1 - Thank the blogger who nominated you

2 - Nominate 7 fellow bloggers

3 - Tell the bloggers that they've been nominated

4 - Share 7 facts about yourself

5 - Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your post

 

 

My nominees are some of my absolute favs in the blogosphere:

 

1.) Mariely of SensationalCreations 

2.) Silvana of GlitzGlamBudget

3.) Nicole of HelloMissNiki

4.) Ashley Elizabeth of Alelizabeth

5.) Cathy of Mypinktasticlife

6.) Nikki of Thecraftysideofsarcasm

7.) Natalie of Natalielovesbeauty

 

 

Seven Facts About Your Truly:

 

1.) I love to dance.

2.) I am addicted to those Jerseylicious marathons (despite the fact that I'm a New Yorker).

3.) I never go anywhere without chapstick or lip balm

4.) I squeel like a little girl when my Harper's Bazaar issue arrives.

5.) I am currently reading Anna Karenina.

6.) Jennifer Lopez is my inspiration for many things: from make up looks, to fashion, to dancing, to overall professional success.

7.) I am axiously awaiting the 50 Shades of Grey movie!!!!!!

 

 

Thank you again and I hope to continue providing strong and interesting content. XOXO

Pureology Previews Oscar-Worthy Hairstyles

As an ongoing supporter of Global Green USA, Pureology Serious Colour Care enlisted Natasha Sunshine, Pureology Artistic Ambassador and owner of Byuti Salons in Santa Monica and Brentwood, to showcase anticipated Oscar hairstyles and provide complimentary hair touch-ups at Global Green USA's 10^th Annual Pre-Oscar^® Party. Hollywood's elite activists and green-minded celebrities enjoyed a night of eco-friendly cocktails, dining and entertainment, including a performance by seven-time Grammy Award winner Willie Nelson. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Global Green USA's work to build greener, more resilient homes, schools, and communities in areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

Pureology Artistic Ambassador, Natasha Sunshine with Sophia Bush (r) and Sharon Lawrence (l)

 

Get the Look:

 

Everyone is busy gearing up for tomorrow's big Oscar night and one thing is for sure, our beloved celebs come dressed to impress!  For those of you lovelies heading out to your own Oscar party, try these two stunning, yet easy-to-achieve hair looks, with step-by-steps from Pureology Artistic Ambassador, Natasha Sunshine:

Boho Downstyle:

This undone style will turn heads and is quick and easy to achieve.

1. Start with day old hair for a lived-in texture. Scrunch in Anti-Breakage Twist throughout.
2. Using a 1 ½-2" curling iron, wrap hair around the iron changing direction on each section until entire head is set.
3. Once again, scrunch entire head to blend waves. Add additional Anti-Breakage Twist for silkier texture to give additional body and Cuticle Polisher for thicker hair textures to add shine.
4. Braid the center braid down the back keeping the hair very loose at the roots. Add each side braid in to meet at the back-center of the head. Create a messy bun. Secure grips with an X shape under bun for added security
5. Give a final spray with Strengthening Control hairspray.

Hot Tip: This style can skip the braid if need be. It looks fantastic both ways.

 

Undone Braided Chignon:
Get that princess sophistication with a messy spin on the chignon.
 
1. Starting with wet hair, apply a dollop-size of Nourishing Nectar throughout.
2. Rough dry hair until 100% dry.
3. Choose a side or middle part and French-braid front portion to the ear then continue a regular braid to tips.
4. Lace or tease hair from the middle back to ends and spray with Strengthening Control hairspray.
5. Scrunch the back hair into a messy bun and secure using your grips in an X fashion. Continue placing hair until all hair is secured up and feels like it will last the evening.
6. Finish with a final dousing of Strengthening Control Hairspray.

              Hot Tip: If hair is extra silky, you may set hair using steps 1-3 from the Boho Downstyle

Review: Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser

 

 

 

I've had success with many Algenist products, but I was particularly impressed with the Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser.  I've been using it for well over a month now and have not had ONE blemish.  I feel like its helped to finally balanced my skin's pH, and I've seen my skin become increasingly softer, more hydrated, and with less dry patches. I will admit I don't get severe breakouts, but I do have one from time to time, and with this cleanser I have yet to see even one.   

I use it every morning when I wake up (so I can't comment on it's ability to remove makeup) but it leaves my skin feeling clean, refreshed, and ready to start the day. 

 

 

 

 

The unique creamy-foam like texture with a pearly white colour is probably my favorite part of it.  It absorbs gently into my skin without causing any irritation or burning.  I have rather dry skin and can even get away with using just a small amount because it lathers really well.  Directions say to massage it in for a minute or two, and I could actually feel it working to gently lift the morning oils and impurities.  I loved the healthy glow it gave my skin and would definitely recommend it to those with dry or sensitive skin for use once daily to help control breakouts and hydrate skin. 

 

The key ingredient is Alguronic Acid which is supposed to promote cell turnover while oat amino acids and witch hazel remove impurities. It is also advertised as a great source to help fight anti-aging.  Of all the face washes I've tried recently, this is by far my favorite and it's going to be difficult to beat.

 

Retail: $25.00

 

Available at: Algenist.com and Sephora.com

 

 

Merlot Skin Care

 

 

 

 

Hello my beauties, you all know how much I love a good chapstick, which is why I wanted to post about my newest obsession: Merlot Skin Care Lip Moisturizer.  Merlot is an amazing new brand I came across at a recent BeautyPress "Spotlight Day" event, held here in NYC. 

 

The brand's creator, Wayne Beckley, incorporates the power of natural grape seed antioxidants into each one of his specialized formulas to fight free radicals like pollution and harmful UV rays that routinely damage our skin. 

 

 

I gave Merlot's balm a coveted spot on my exclusive "go-to" list (which I am very particular about!) because it totally deserves it.  

 

 

 

Pros:

•  Rich consistency, but felt lightweight on my lips. 
• No waxy or greasy feeling, and left no residue behind.
• Provided lasting wearability with minimal applications. 
• Acted as the perfect lip treatment: I applied it after using a lip exfoliant and it left my lips feeling so soft and nourished.   
• Contains SPF 15
• Loved its adorable purple colour!

Cons:

• It was very light, but I detected a somewhat waxy scent.  (I was hoping for a hint of grape :( 

 

 

I was also given a sample of the Moonlight Radiance Night Cream, and found so many elements of this cream that I just love.  For starters, it has a very unique texture; kind of like a gel-cream.  It was thick and creamy, but went on ultra light and absorbed in a flash.  A little goes a long way in this case, and its gentle scent of freshly picked grapes is simply divine.  It uses key ingredients: Argireline and Matrixyl 3000 which work to boost skin's tone, diminish wrinkles and fine lines, and hydrate overnight.  Overall it has a lovely, soothing formula that left my skin feeling refreshed and healthy looking the next morning. 

 

Available at Drugstore.com and Merlotskincare.com

 Retail: 4 oz. tub $20.00  

     

 Merlot Skincare is a brand with really affordable products that, from what I have tried so far, are very effective. I would definitely recommend this line and am eager to try more of its products.

 

 

 

 

VICHY ProEVEN All-In-One Flawless Mineral BB Cream

 

 

I couldn't wait to sample VICHY Laboratories ProEVEN All-In-One Flawless Mineral BB Cream because I've only recently began using foundations and like products a year or two ago, so I was eager to try a new one.  

 

 

 

The VICHY BB cream formula comes straight from Asia and contains: Vitamins Cg and E to protect from environmental stressors, an SPF 20, and hyaluronic acid for hydrating and plumping.  Available in 2 shades: "light" and "medium", and is packaged in a 1.35 fl oz. squeeze tube. 

 

(The 2 shades blended together)

 

I started with the "light" shade which blended nicely into my hand, but was waaay too light when I applied it to my face.  (And I'm very fair).  So I blended the two shades together and was able to create a better match. 

I used a foundation brush to apply it and really loved the lightweight consistency.  It didn't clog my pores or make my skin feel greasy.  Worn alone it had a clean, matte finish, but I followed with a powder due to my skin's pink undertones, and it created a nice primer. 

 

Overall, I was really pleased with this BB cream.  It had smooth, even coverage that hide any flaws and didn't smudge or wore off.  I was also happy to see the hyaluronic acid at work, leaving my skin with a soft, dewy glow.  Its only drawback is the lack of shades.  With only two available it doesn't give much leeway for finding a match. 

 

Retail: $32.50

Available: CVS/pharmacy and vichyusa.com

 

 

Have you tried VICHY's BB Cream?  What did you think?  Were you able to find your match? 

Winter Favorite: Goldfaden MD Wake Up Call

 

 

PR asked me to sample Goldfaden MD's Wake Up Call Overnight Regenerative Facial Treatment during these frigid winter months and it's no doubt become one of my favorites. My skin is on the dry side and tends to be uncooperative when it comes to absorbing moisturizers.   

 

 Never the less, my skin was certainly charmed by this one's rich, creamy texture. I used it every night on cleansed skin, after I applied my toner. It had a lightweight conistency that absorbed nicely and didn't linger. In the morning my skin felt smoother and looked healthier, more vibrant. I loved being able to actually feel an increased softness. The light, citrusy scent was absolutely delish, and I loved the fact that it came in a pump bottle (helping to eliminate growth of bacteria). 

Made with all natural ingredients including:

CoQ10, Retinol, Avocado Oil, DMAE and Organiz Red Tea.

It retails for $80.00, which sounds a little pricey, but is worth it if you're looking to make a good skincare investment. As a luxe product, a small amount at a time will get the job done, extending it's life span. I really love this product and would definitely recommend it.

Available at goldfadenmd.com , dermstore.com , beauty.com , and skinstore.com .

Have you tried any Goldfaden products? If so, what did you think?

 

First Look: butterLONDON for Kaelen NYFW Fall/Winter 2013

butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador, Katie Hughes, creates the nail look for Kaelen's F/W 2013 Collection:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designer: KAELEN

Lead Manicurist: Katie Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador

The Scoop: Inspired by the idea of a uniform, the cool girls and cliques (a la The Craft), Kaelen wanted to elevate the uniform to sophisticated, cleaned-up grunge designs. The silhouettes are sporty, made polished using feminine, soft fabrics like organza.

The Look: Katie created a texture clash nail look - with a matte black base and a glossy black french tip.

 

 

 

 

 

Get the Look:

 

Step 1: Apply butter LONDON Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat

Step 2: Apply 2 coats of butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Union Jack Black

Step 3: Apply butter LONDON Matte Finish Top Coat

Step 4: Swipe butter LONDON P.D. Quick Top Coat to the tips to create a glossy french tip finish

Grammys 2013: My Picks for Best Dressed

 

In no particular order, these beauties are without a doubt my top picks for tonight's best dressed at the Grammys 2013... (Although I did start and end with my two favs ;)

 

 Jennifer Lopez brought the sexy with some seriously hot thigh and an ultra chic top knot.  

 

 

 The forever beautiful Carrie Underwood was stunning in this love black number and (my fav) that string of bling!

Ow Oww! Miss Kelly brought the heat in this form fitting, black cut out gown.. I was also awed by her new rockin bod which I was told is credited to the Jennette Jenkins workout? (I need me some of that!)

Ahh miss RiRi, where to begin?... Perfection. Simply, perfection.

First Look: butter LONDON for Altuzarra at NYFW Fall/Winter 2013

 

butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador, Katie Hughes, created the nail look for Altuzarra’s F/W 2013 Collection.

 

 

 

Designer: ALTUZARRA

Lead Manicurist: Katie Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador

The Scoop: The collection is a focus on core silhouettes and classical tailoring with a modern, feminine twist

The Look:Katie used butter LONDON's Nail Foundation + PD Quick Top Coat to create a buffed nail look

 

First Look: Redken for Victoria Beckham NYFW Fall/Winter 2013

Redken Creative Consultant Guido created a sexy, glossy low ponytail for the Fall 2013 Victoria Beckham show at the New York Public Library this morning. The look complemented the designer's very luxurious, designed collection, adding another dimension and "breathing a little fresh air" into the otherwise very tailored look as a whole.

 

 

"This style is meant to look very easy, almost accidental, but note the emphasis is on the texture- I wanted it to look really drenched in shine, not quite totally wet, but almost. I in fact put as much thought into creating a simple look like this as I do with more complicated ones; it's all about the nuances, like the texture. This is the kind of glossy texture many designers want to see right now when they want shine, it's not the super shiny blown-out red carpet look, it's more subtle and casual. Not to say a more traditional shiny hair look isn't also a good look, it's just important for women to have options, and this shiny texture is another great idea to add to a low pony."

-Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

 

 

 

 

 

Get the Look:

1. Start by blow-drying hair with your fingers, not a brush, dragging fingers through as you dry so that the end result is straight but not perfect and retains a natural texture.

2. When dry, apply Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine (launching May 1st) from lengths to ends, adding a few drops into your palm (number of drops depending on hair length & thickness) and then emulsifying in your hands and applying all over.

3. For an extra glossy finish, next apply shine flash 02 glistening mist all over.

4. Finally, gather hair into a loose low pony with a messy, undefined side part. Pull out some pieces around the face and leave one ear exposed.

*Guido used Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine on the models today to create extra gloss on the runway. There are two versions: Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine is for medium hair textures, and the other Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense is for thicker textures.

Photos by Charles Sykes for Redken

Neswest Addition to My Wish List

I don't know if these masterminds at Julep intentionally use my obsession with pink against me or what, but every time they come out with a new must have product- it's pink and I can't help myself!! Grrrr!!! Being as I have yet to try this I can't speak on it's effectiveness, but it sounds (and looks) so tempting!!... Have any of you beauties out there tried it?? If so, what do you think??

Rite Aid Haul

Well my darlings, I am writing my very first "Haul" post from my recent trip to Rite Aide.  I initially headed over to the drugstore to attend the L’Oreal Advanced Hair Care Event I saw advertised on FreeBeautyEvents.com (one of my fav sites. See below post ;)

 

Sadly, I got there to find there was no such event taking place (my guess is because of this insane blizzard that just hit the area) but this beauty maven was not be detoured.  There was an amazing sale going on from now through the 2/16: 40% off all Wet n' Wild cosmetics, 75% off select Cover Girl products and 40% off select Almay items.  So you guessed it.  I was determined to make it worth the trip, and stocked my little paws chalk full of goodies!

Some of you already know how picky I am about my mascara, but I've been curious about Cover Girl's natureluxe for a while now.  So for such a low prices, how could I go wrong?

Cover Girl natureluxe Mascara

(Reg. $9.99)

 

 Sale: $2.49 !!!!

 

I'll admit that at first I had grabbed two, but truthfully I'd rather know if I like it not before I run wild with the sale, and decided to put the second one back.  Plus, the only shades left were brown and I actually prefer blackest black.  Browsing on I just had to snag my (second) favourite brand of mascara:

Almay's One Coat Triple Effect

(Reg. $8.29)



 Sale: $4.97 !!!

Now, this may have been my favourite part of the haul! Wet n' Wild cosmetics are already known for being so affordable and fairly reliable products.  So when I came to the rows of lip colours and glosses they just called out to me.  I started with grabbing four of the Silk Finish Lipsticks  :D

Wet n' Wild Silk Finish Lipstick

(Reg. $0.99) 

Sale: $0.59 EACH!!

 

Around the corner on the other side, was a row of Wild Shine colours.  There were only two shades left to chose from so I assumed they must be a popular favorite and snagged one in "Passionate" to see what all the fuss was about.   

 

 

Wet n' Wild Wild Shine Lip Lacquer in Passionate

(Reg. $2.99)

Sale: $0.74

 

 

Total purchase: 2 mascaras//5 lip colours

Total spent: $11.50

 

Can't wait to get started trying them out!  Swatches to come so stay tuned!

 

Have you visited your local Rite Aide?  Have you tried any of these products?  If so what did you think?

First Look: Nicole Miller NYFW Fall/Winter 2013

butter LONDON’s Global Colour Ambassador, Katie Hughes, created three nail looks for the runway at the Nicole Miller show.  For flawless application she began each look with butter LONDON Nail Foundation and finished with butter LONDON Hardwear Quick Top Coat.

 

 

Designer: NICOLE MILLER

Lead Manicurist: Katie Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador

The Scoop: Inspired by tomboys, Nicole's collection was a nod to girls who dress like boys

Nail Look: Katie created three nail looks for Nicole Miller:

                  

 

 

Look 1: Stag Do

 

 

                  

 

Look 2: Royal Navy with Wallis layered on top

 

 

 

 

Look 3: Royal Navy with a custom chrome shade (created for Nicole's show) which was used for asingle finger embellishment - this shade will be available in summer 2013.

Free Beauty Events February Contest

 

 

 

I'm so glad to see more and more of you lovelies become excited over the monthly FreeBeautyEvents contests.  It's one of my favorite websites and such an excellent tool for any beauty lover to know what's going on in their area.  This month the contest includes: 

 

 

 

 

Prizes for 10 lucky winners. Each prize will consist of Seventh Generation Moisturizing Lotion in Lavender, Mustela Ultimate Hydration, and Dr. LeWinn by Kinerase Lift & Resculpt Serum XK. The Contest runs from 2/1/2013 to 2/28/2013, winners will be chosen on 3/2/2013 and notified by 3/15/2013. To enter, all people have to do is go to FreeBeautyEvents.com and supply their name, email (only used to contact winners), and zip code.

 

Thanks to FreeBeautyEvents you can stay on top of events like the upcoming Rite Aid Grand Openeing coming up on March 2^nd,.  Customers can get a free makeover with Maybelline, CoverGirl, and Almay products. You can also get great gift bags filled with coupons and samples.

 

 

 

 

Also in February and March, Ulta will be having their Yes To Event, where demonstrators will be giving out coupons and sampling Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment, Yes To Tomatoes Daily Balance Moisturizer, Yes To Cucumbers Body Butter, and Yes to Cucumbers Towelettes. 

 

Anyone who would like our site visitors to know about their beauty event can make a posting for free on our site at freebeautyevents.com/submit . To find out if an event will be near you, just enter your zip code in the upper right hand corner of our home page. 

 

 

You can follow FreeBeutyEvents with:

 

Pinterest

Twitter

Facebook

Google+

 

Be sure to visit the site and enter for your chance to win!  Have you entered any of the past contests? Have you gone to any of the past FBE advertised events?