A Spring Must Have: Beauty Mark by Absolute New York

 

 

Beauty Mark- Jumbo Star, SRP: $9.99, 0.085 fl. oz.

 

I've always liked to play around with temporary tattoos.  They're easy, creative ways to play up your look and are especially fun during the warmer months when you can show a little skin.  At the last beautypress Spotlight Day, Absolute New York showcased a brand new product: Beauty Mark.  Absolute New York is a contemporary beauty brand that aims to provide an extensive array of professional quality product lines that incorporate trendy and classic necessities with an urban flair to finish off any look.  Designed for the face and body, their latest is a unique felt-tip, ink beauty stamp that creates an authentic looking temporary tattoo that can be easily be removed.  The Beauty Mark comes in a luxe black shade, and is available in two sizes and two chic designs – heart & star.

 

 

 

Beauty Mark- Slim Heart, SRP: $9.99, 0.037 fl. oz.

 

 

 

I have to say this is an awesome little gadget to have on hand.  It can add a little edge to your look for a night out and lets you get a little wild with the designs.  You don't have to be an artist to create funky little zig zags up your leg or down your shoulder.  The dry time was quick with no smudges, and removal process was just as easy.  Some soap and water took it right off.  A total must have for the coming season!  

 

 

To Use:

• Select design and size of choice.
• Press stamp onto desired location. Hold for 2 seconds. Let dry.
• Lightly dust your tattoo with translucent powder for a long-wear boost.

 

 

 

 

Check them out at Nicka.com

 

 

Do you enjoy temporary tattoos?  Are you interested in trying Beauty Mark by Absolute New York? 

 

Prom Essential: Fake Bake Flawless Darker Self Tan Liquid

 

 

 

Retail: $29.99

 

Prom season is already here and prepping for the big event can be pretty stressful.  Aside from finding the perfect gown, shoes, flawless up do (shall I go on?) there's one element that can help all those things fall into place. Glowing, sun kissed skin can make all the difference... Enter: Fake Bake .

 

A self tanning session has all the potential to go wrong before you even open the bottle, but what I liked about Fake Bake Luxurious Deeper Bronze Flawless Darker was not only its incredibly fast and easy as pie process, but it kind of does the work for you.  The dual function cosmetic bronzer gives an instant, golden tan and goes on to develop into a long lasting, sunless glow.  It is formulated with Fake Bakes’ signature triple tanning agents DHA boosted by DMI & Erythulose for lasting intensity.  

  

The scent is made with yummy black coconut which I admit to falling victim to.  It's sweet and tropical, but very faint and best of all, doesn't smell like tanner.  It is packaged in a spray bottle, which you can either spray directly onto your skin or onto the applicator mitt.  Because the spray is colored, I personally found it better and less messy to spray it directly onto the mitt and then apply to my skin.  The spray darkened once it hit my skin so it was clear to see which areas I had covered and which areas still needed to get done.  This is always helpful because it keeps you from missing spots or over applying to others.           

 

 

After one application

(Forgive me, I totally missed the before shot but believe me when I say I am quite fair)

  

It dried unbelievably quickly, (not more then a minute after I applied and massaged it in) and there was zero stickiness left behind.  I waited about 10 minutes just to be positive all areas were dry, and as a test, I dressed in an old white T-shirt.  After several hours, there was no discoloring on my shirt or streaking on my skin.  Ultimately, the color was really beautiful and I was ready to head out with no mess and no fuss.  A great attribute of this brand is that each tanner only comes in one "color".  There is no need to fumble around trying to figure out which "level" would be best for you.  These tanners adjust to your natural complexion, keeping your overall look very natural and classy.  I loved that I didn't have to fight for intensity, or scrub like crazy to try and lighten it because I applied too much. 

I was introduced to Fake Bake at a past beautypress event and saw the darlings again at IBSNY 2014.  I'd say this is one of the better tanners I've tried and is definitely a product to have on hand for this season.  I can already see myself stocking up!   

 

 

 

 

Have you tried Fake Bake?  What other prom essentials are you still searching for?

 

 

Spring Launch: butter LONDON Lolly Brights Collection

 

Fellow butter LONDON addicts, mark your calendars!  Next month, butter LONDON will release its Spring line the Lolly Brights Collection on Ulta.com.  The collection is bursting with bright, playful colours that shimmer and will punch up every look for the season. 

 

 

 

Nail Lacquer in Lolly, Chuffed, Sozzled, Ladybird, Stroppy and Airy Fairy

Retail: $15.00

 

 

 

 

 

LIPPY Lip Gloss in Chuffed, Twee, and Stroppy

Retail: $20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHEEKY Cream Blush in Piccadilly Circus, Abbey Rose, Pistol Pink

Retail: $20.00 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 WINK Cream Eye Shadow in Sun Kiss, Indigo Punk and Pistol Pink

Retail: $18.00

 

 

WINK Eye Pencil in Alabaster Gaze, Cheerio and Holland Park

Retail: $20.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

WINK Mascara in Cheerio

Retail: $20.00

Are you interested in any of the products in butter LONDON's Lolly Brights collection?  If so which ones? 

Selecting the Perfect Spring Fragrance

 

 

 

Now that you've cleaned house in your make up bag to make room for those Spring essentials, it's time to move on to that shelf fragrances and clear a space for your new signature Spring scent!

 World famous perfumer publisher Frédéric Malle shares some exclusive tips on how you can select the perfect scent for the season:

 

·         Fragrances are like clothes: some are warmer than others. It is uncomfortable to wear a heavy dose of warm oriental on a hot day, but a hint might work
·         Consider changing your perfume every season if you are wearing a very fresh or heavy Chypre fragrance
·         You should always try a new fragrance before purchasing. The top notes function for about 15 minutes, then leave way to the heart of the perfume, which is it’s real personality

 

Perfumes with potent floral notes like Carnal Flower, En Passant and Lys Mediterranee help transport you to the warmer months ahead – even if you’re stuck in the office.

 

 

Carnal Flower 

Retail: $160 - $350

 

Tuberose, spicy and animalistic yet milky sweet, is the base of this mysterious scent. Fresh and perfect for spring, the Eucalyptus-infused heart creates a floral fragrance with a kick.

 

 

En Passant 

Retail: $100 - $225 

 

White lilac, a light springtime note, is the highlight of this fragrance. Orange leaves, cucumber and wheat radiate through the floral notes, creating a serene and peaceful scent.

 

 

 

Lys Mediterranee

 Retail: $115 - $250

 

A smooth white lily center is accompanied by traces of orange blossom and a hint of ginger. Indulgent notes of vanilla sweeten the opulent floral scent.

 

 

 

 Shop.FredericMalle.com

 

 

 

Have you chosen a favorite scent for the season?  If so, what is it?

Spring Beauty Necessities

 

Spring is here and it's likely your hair and skin both need a little pick me up from the rough winter months.  Jurlique is at your beck and call with its Purely Bright Facial Treatment Mask that works to nourish skin and bring it back to life with a fast ten minute treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

Jurlique Purely Bright Facial Treatment Mask

Retail: $54.00

 

This innovative formula with VitaBrigthtKX delivers a highly concentrated solution to help inhibit melanin synthesis, reducing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration to help revive a dull looking complexion with uneven skin tone and texture. This effective, stretchable facial treatment paper mask technology delivers a powerful blend of ingredients to the skin's dermis leaving it looking lighter, brighter and more radiant.

 

Available at: Jurlique.com

 

 

 

If you haven't already started damage control on your hair from all the winter blowouts and flat iron frenzies, it may be time to check out Bosley Professional Strength Healthy Hair Moisture Masque.

 

 

 

 

Bosley Professional Strength Healthy Hair Moisture Masque

Retail: $24.95

 

This aims to provide intense moisture and shine for dull, dry, brittle hair. A luxurious blend of mango and shea butters, with Brazilian palm tree and avocado oils, adds rich moisture and shine. Red wine extract provides beneficial antioxidant protection. Moisture Masque contains LifeXtend complex to help nourish hair and ColorKeeper complex to help prolong and protect color.

 

Available at: Bosleypro.com

 

 

 

Have you revamped your beauty regimen for Spring?  What products have made it into your new routine?

Exclusive Beauty Box 5 Sneak Peek

 

 

Come this April, Beauty Box 5 is doing lipstick lovers a favor and sharing one of their newest obsessions: Hydro Lipstick from Nicka K New York! It's time to turn the attention from Spring's pretty new flowers and let Beauty Box 5 help you amp up the volume on that pucker!  Who can say no to paraben free kisses? If you've beThese long-wear lipsticks are formulated with jojoba oil for moisturized, lightweight, full-bodied color. en considering a beauty box subscription, you may want to consider check out my review of the March box here and read about their subscription plans here .

 

 

Do you subscribe to any beauty boxes?  If so which ones?

Review: Beauty Box 5 March Box

This month's Beauty Box 5 was full of more fabulous goodies, some of which I was really excited for!  It was as if the darlings at Beauty Box 5 had read my mind and knew there were a few items I needed to restock.  Beauty Box 5 is a monthly beauty box subscription that selects five of the industry's top must have items and delivers them straight to your door.  And as an official member of their review team (woo hoo!), I have the pleasure of receiving a complimentary box each month in exchange for my honest thoughts. 

Swissco's Bath & Body Tools Dual Sided Facial Pad came just in time for summer.  While it's technically designed for use on the face, I found the exfoliating side to bit a bit too harsh for me.  On the flip side, however, it turned out to be ideal for areas like knees or elbows where the skin gets pretty beat up.  This will be good to have on hand when the weather changes and you want to prep skin for shorts and sun dresses.  

Retail: $7.49 7oz

 

With summer on the brain, the sample of Tree Hut's Shea Body Butter was much appreciated.  Made with certified organic shea butter and natural coconut and lime extracts, it was inevitable that its scent would be mouth watering.  So tropical and sweet!  Since it's a butter, the consistency was incredibly thick and soothing to my dry skin.  A few uses helped to nourish it, and it's perfect to use alongside the scrub pad.  After using the pad to exfoliate skin on the knees/elbows, this serves as a really healthy moisturizer to rejuvenate the skin. 

 

 

Retail: $18.99 .29oz

 

I was really happy to sample Bellapierre's Makeup base.  Not just because I've come to like Bellapierre but because it turned out to be versatile and effective.  It is advertised as both a concealer and an eye shadow primer and since I was running out of my Too Faced primer, I was eager to give it a whirl.  I used my finger to apply it and it seemed a bit stiff at first, but the heat from my finger  melted it.  The texture became creamy and it went on smoothly.  The formula felt light and didn't cause any creasing after I applied the shadow.  I didn't have any blemishes to cover so I dabbed some over my cheeks to help diminish the redness.  The colour was a pretty close match and worked well.  The change was subtle but noticeable when I compared the done up cheek to the not done one.  It softened the unevenness in my cheeks and the blush I applied after stood out more.     

 

 

 

 

Retail: $15.00 6oz

 

 

Also included was H20+ Targeted Care Hand and Nails Cream which was just what I needed!  I love H20 and had just run out of hand cream.  The nice thing about cream is that it is two fold; benefitting both your skin and your nails and cuticles.  I personally found it to have luxe type properties.  The consistency is rich and thick, treating your hands to a spa like experience.  It penetrates skin well and absorbs fast so you don't have to worry about that greasy after feeling.  

 

 

 

 

 

Retail: $8.00 5oz

 

I'm not usually one to hoard away bar soaps, but this was a surprise.  "Kind" from Jane's Pick All Natural Handmade Bar Soap contains orange, tangerine, vanilla and smelled absolutely delicious.  I wasn't expecting too much but once lathered up, the aroma was refreshing and relaxing.  Because the soaps are handmade, each one has its own unique design which gave me a fun DIY idea.  Other scents include Peace, Gentle, Purity, Patience, Joy, Passion and Love and I had the thought to put a few together and use them as bathroom décor.   

 

 

Do you subscribe to Beauty Box 5?  Are you interested in it? 

International Beauty Show New York 2014

 

This year's IBS New York 2014 was chalk full of the hottest trends and products that have been taking the beauty industry by storm.  Combing the countless rows of brands inside the Javits Convention Center in New York City was no small task but for a beauty addict, it was pure heaven.  This year's event included expert classes taught by stylists from salons like Redken and Arrojo, CND, BAM Cosmetics, and by Emmy Award winning makeup artist, Eve Pearl. 

 

I was fortunate enough to catch up with Eve and chat about her thoughts on this past season's Fashion Week and get dolled up in a NYFW inspired look.  "The whole look for fashion week was a natural, clean face with a goddess- like effect" which Eve created on me using her method of Reverse Contouring.

 

 

Before

 

After
(Eve & myself)



 

Products used:

 

Liquid Salmon Concealer

Bronzing Highlighting Trio 

Kiss of Pearl Lip Gloss

Black Pearl Liquid Liner

Eye Palette- Diamond Eyes

Pearlfx HD Creme Liquid Foundation

Invisible Finish Powderless Powder

 

 

Catch more on Eve Pearl:

 

Twitter

Facebook

Youtube

Instagram

 

 

 

 

Classes from Redken included how-to demos on creating "Splashlights" and "Crownlights".

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inside IBS New York!

 

 

 

 

Farmhouse Fresh

Farmhouse Fresh was one of the fabulous new brands I was introduced to during the event, and can't wait to try out.


 

Pure Fiji

I can't wait to get started with my Pure Fiji samples!  Each and every one smells delicious and these palettes of coconut and guava had me just about drooling!  (Reviews coming soon!)

 

 

 

 

 

Did you attend this year's IBS 2014?  What was your favorite part?  Are you interested in attending next year?  If so, check out the list of this year's exhibitors to get an idea of what what's to come!

 

 

 

Spring Launch: Algenist Algae Brightening Mask

 

 

Now that Spring is just about here, a bright, glowing complexion is a beauty must!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Launching this month, Algenist Algae Brightening Mask is a skincare powerhouse that harnesses the power of Algae to instantly smooth and brighten skin. This luxurious mask combines six different sources of algae with Alguronic Acid, Algenist’s patented ingredient which helps rejuvenate the skin for a more youthful appearance.  After use, skin feels clean and detoxified with a boosted radiance, tone and texture. Within just 10 days of use those pesky pores are refined and fine lines appear softened.

 

 

 

Visible Results:

·         Smoothes and perfects complexion in 100%* of subjects

·         Brightens the skin in 98%* of subjects

·         Visibly improves uneven skin texture in 98%* of subjects

*Results obtained from self-assessment of 60 women over 10 days (3 applications)

 

 

Retail: $59.00

Available at: QVC, Sephora, Sephora.com and Algenist.com

 

 

 

What products do you have lined up for your Spring beauty regimen?  Are you interested in trying Algenist Algae Brightening Mask?

 

 

 

 

Fragrance Launch: Spadaro "Beso Del Mar"

 

 

 

My first taste of Spadaro Luxury Fragrances was a light whiff of "Sole Nero" and I wondered if it might be a bit more mature then the scents I usually wear.  I half expected the brand's newest launch: Eau De Parfum “Beso Del Mar”® to mirror those thoughts but I couldn't have been more wrong.  Meaning "Kiss of the Sea" this fragrance includes notes of fresh lime and agave with driftwood overtones and it's absolutely stunning. 

 

 

 

 

 

Spadaro is a collection of fragrances inspired by the world travels of the brand's founder and alchemist Kim Spadaro. The Eau De Parfum “Beso Del Mar”®  was inspired by the romantic view of the sun setting over the Sea of Cortez.  "The aroma of the cooling breeze brought relief to the bright colored flowers and cooled the warm caramel colored sands.  The scent of the sea romanced me into a night of seduction"- Kim Sparado.       

 

 

This scent captures this scene impeccably.  After spritzing it on, my immediate thoughts were that of freshness and spring.  It is airy and sweet, but has a cool, crisp feel to it, marking it my favorite for the new season.  Spadaro is a luxury brand and carries all the luxe qualities.  A few spritzes wore well into the later day, and I loved catching whiffs of it throughout (without reapplying!).  But you can still rest assure is isn't overpowering.  It settled nicely on my skin and I caught nothing less then compliments.  It is soft, feminine and elegant, making it appropriate for any occasion, at any time of day.  I plan to wear this fragrance often, whether it is at the office, or for a night out on the town.  I enjoy this brand because it mixes adventure with sophistication, and the packaging is lovely.  Each scent comes in an Italian glass bottle with an exotic bronze patter on the front that represents the region each fragrance was inspired from.          

 

 

Other fragrances include:

    

  

 

Doux Amour- The Passion of Arabian Night

Noche Del Fuego- Your Night Just Caught Fire

Sole Nero- A Mediterranean Escape

 

 

 

 

The Launch of the NEW Eau De Parfum “Beso Del Mar”® (Kiss of the Sea) along with NEW shower gels, candles and bar soaps add the lifestyle element that Spadaro inspires in all. In addition, the line of sultry and exotic perfume brand Spadaro Luxury fragrances announces its global launch branching out into Russia, Lithuania and The Middle East. This venture comes as the result of the continuous efforts of founder and alchemist Kim Spadaro, who travels for inspiration, finely curating exotic scents reminiscent of her adventures and romances from around the globe.

 

Eau De Parfum - $95.00
Luxury Shower Gel –$45.00
Luxury Bar Soap – $22.00
Fragrance Candle –$45.00

 

Spadaro Luxury Fragrances pays it forward by giving a portion of every sale to “The Spadaro Foundation” which reaches out those in greatest need both domestically and globally.  

 

 

Have you tried Spadaro fragrances?  Are you interested in trying one?

New Launch: Votre Vu French Kiss Moisture Riche Lipstick Social Death Limited Edition

 

 

 

Three days ago at the Nanette Lepore Boutique, guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails to celebrate the release of Tatiana Boncompagni’s SOCIAL DEATH, a scandal placed murder mystery set on Manhattan's Upper East Side.  Votre Vu marked the event with the launch of its brand new Limited Edition shade of French Kiss .

 

 

 

 

  Aptly named SOCIAL DEATH , it is a true red lipstick referencing the setting and graphic cover image of the book.  It is an incredibly wearable red that captures the book's glamour, drama and sophistication.  Centering on the murder of a beautiful New York City heiress, SOCIAL DEATH offers readers a scintillating glimpse into the high-stakes worlds of high society and breaking news. 

 

 

 

Retail: $23.00

 

 

"Red lips have always been a symbol of intrigue, glamour and seduction.  In a nutshell, that is exactly what SOCIAL DEATH is about, and why I think this is such a perfect partnership: says Boncompagni’. 

 

 

It contains elements like Vitamin E to help increase skin's softness and elasticity, as well as castor seed oil which is ultra hydrating and known for its ability to help heal skin.  This universally flattering color has a creamy formulation with a bit of gloss to it, making it youthful and much more forgiving for the novice red wearer to apply.  The custom created warm shade of classic red can work with every ensemble whether its your glamour girl LBD, office chic, or day to day casual wear. 

 

 

Nanette Lepore and myself

 

Even Nanette herself was a fan! 

 

 

Flaunt a sexy, bold red lip while flipping the pages of a hot new murder mystery.. could there be a better pair of power accessories?  I think not.

 

Available at: Votrevu.com

 

 

Votre Vu donates $1 from every French Accents product purchased to the St. Baldrick's Foundation for the 46 Momma's campaign to treat and cure pediatric cancer. 

 

Review: Measurable Difference Instant Lash Extensions Mascara

 

 

Retail: $19.99

All of you darlings have heard me rant about my fickleness with mascaras.  But lately I've realized their technology has improved so much over the years, that my old times favorites are no longer a match for newcomers like Measurable Difference Instant Lash Extensions Mascara  .  

 

 

 

 

Put simply, I love this mascara and couldn't find anything to criticize.  It is part of the new Measurable Difference line from Chrislie Formulations which focuses on creating products that are not only beauty enhancing, but that also work to encourage hair growth.  The added benefit to this one  is that it is made with RegenaLash.  An effective peptide complex designed to nourish, hydrate, and condition lashes and brows for healthier looking lashes, and fuller looking brows in 4-6 weeks. 

 

 

 

 

It is a dual sided mascara with the mascara formula on one end, and liquid fibers on the other.  The application process is slightly different that other mascaras that comes with the fibers.  This one instructs you to apply a coat of mascara first, the fibers second, followed by a second coat of mascara.  The first coat of mascara gives the fibers something to grab on to and the second coat of mascara seals them in.  I have to say this worked reaaally well and I was left with incredible length.  My lashes are naturally on the longer side and this not only enhanced them, but made them dramatic and almost doll-like.  (To be honest, the picture doesn't really do it justice, but I did my best).   

 

 

Before

 

 

After

 

The formula is a little thick, but I personally don't mind that.  My lashes are naturally slightly curled so I don't concern myself too much about it weighing them down.  I also found that this one dries pretty quickly, which is perfect because it means I can get my look done faster.  The removal process was the EASIEST I've experienced yet.  I've literally never had an easier time removing any other mascara.  After washing it off in the shower, there was no left over residue or dark rings under my eyes whatsoever, which was awesome (I'll save on makeup remover :p).       

 

I haven't been using it long enough to attest to any of the growth claims, but I can state for the record it is certainly one of my choice mascaras for long, beautiful lashes and a bold, dramatic look.  

 

 

 

Are you looking for a new mascara to try?  Would you consider Measurable Difference Instant Lash Extensions Mascara? 

New Launch: butter LONDON's Cut Up Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Newly launched yesterday on butterlondon.com is the latest in glittering overcoats, the Cut Up Collection.  The collection intensifies favourite nail looks with raw textures and a modern edge. Layer these overcoats over any butter LONDON lacquer for a textured, eye-catching manicure.

 

“These overcoats are posh enough to make any mani pop,” says Katie Jane Hughes, butter LONDON Global Colour Ambassador. “Make a statement with serious sparkle on all 10 digits, or play up a single nail to create an eye-catching accent.”

 

The collection includes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANORAK: Black, white and silver chunky glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dust-Up: Gold, silver and bronze chunky and fine glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TITCHY: Multi-colour chunky and fine glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base 

 

 

Retail: $15.00 each or $25.00 Fashion Size Set (Set includes all 3 lacquers in Fashion Size bottles)