Monday, September 5, 2011

J.Crew's Jewels 9.5.11

I have been drooling over J.Crew's jewelry recently (okay, that's a lie, I have been loving their jewelry for quote some time now, ever since genius Jenna Lyons has taken the reigns)

Anyway, check out some of J.Crew's newest gems! I am especially loving the Lulu Frost Deco stack-able bangles. Very fun!











I might need to make that black ice cube ring mine!

Are you loving?
x

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Major Hair Envy 9.3.11




having major hair envy, one of my favorite bloggers @ http://5inchandup.blogspot.com/
Check her out.
x

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Obsession Du Jour 9.1.11

need. this. now. on. my. nails.


x

Monday, August 29, 2011

Kate Moss Lovin' 8.28.11

Fall is in the air.

After the Hurricane (and even before it) the temp started to drop and you can feel that slight chill in the air. Most people are upset by this, not me! I love fall. I love everything about it. I love the chilly weather, the smell in the air, the changing of the leaves and most of all fall fashion! Give me the jeans, the leather, the fur and the boots!

Latley I have re-fallen in love with Kate Moss and am drawing major fall inspiration from here. Check out some of my fave photos.











Do you love Kate as much as I do?
x

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Rachel Zoe does lipstick...

Yes it is true, Rachel Zoe has stepped into the beauty arena!


Rachel Zoe and founders of Exude Diane Breidenbach and Laurence Mille were at The Plaza hotel in NYC to promote new lipsticks that were created by Rachel. They have a unique applicator. A clear, crystal applicator bullet shakes things up by releasing a single-dot serving of elastic gel color with just a twist of the tube. This cleverly ensures that your lipstick won’t wear down into some strange, shapeless mound, and that the surface will stay crisp. You can see the cream (or gloss) through the plastic and when you twist the bottom it oozes up onto the textured surface. “I have many lipstick peeves,” Zoe said. “One is it’s messy, another is when it smooshes down at the bottom of your purse. And when it’s dry and your lips are cracked? That freaks me out.” Exude eliminates the possiblity of all of the above. “You can really control the application,” Zoe said, “which is great because I’m a control freak.”



According to Refinery29, Cosmetic industry veterans Diane Breidenbach and Laurence Mille created the technology behind the shimmery, nine-shade line. Yet it was Zoe who styled the crisp, white tube packaging, which she says is a design strategy she uses for interior decorating, too. “Most of my house is modern and white inside, with splashes of accent colors that catch your eye. You can’t go wrong with that formula,” Zoe told us at the collection's launch. What's her trick for choosing a lipstick shade? “Contrast your lip color with whatever you’re wearing. Do a pale lip with a deep dress, or go bold when you’re wearing light colors,” she instructs. “And don’t do a red lip with a red dress, it clashes. Plus, you don’t ever want to be predictable.” Zoe has spoken.

Rachel's personal Obsession du Jour's include organics and loves LOTS of moisturizer. She was also quoted saying that one day she might have her own beauty line...YES!!!


Read the below interview with BellaSugar.Com

  • On the importance of moisturizing: "I just think moisture is key in your skin, in your lips, in your eyes. You're never too young to start wearing moisturizer and eye creams. I'm a huge moisture advocate. Everywhere. Just lather yourself with oils before you go to bed. You have to — or you'll regret it later!"
  • On what comes first, the clothes or the makeup: "I'd almost always wear a major lip with anything. I pretty much do outfit first, but I would say even when I'm in my dressed-down clothes and I'm running and doing errands — I always have a lip on. Always, always, always. I never go anywhere without lips. I just don't. I never have. I have pictures of me when I was 13 with a major lip on. I don't know why, but that's just my thing and I almost feel naked without it."
  • On beauty trends she doesn't love: "I don't love too much glitter. I think that is a little trendy. I think a little bit of dust that catches the light is kind of fascinating, but when you overdo it, it's not so cute . . . I think beauty is a thing, it's so easy to have fun with, with just colors. Just go outside the box with yourself."
  • On doing her own makeup line: "We'll see! I'll never say never to anything ever again because I said never to half the things that I'm doing now. So now I'm just not going to make myself look like an idiot and say — maybe! You know it would be a logical thing for me to do. Because I honestly love it and it's part of the whole process of getting dressed, and nothing fascinates me more than the complete look . . . the answer is, I'm sure that I will. I'm going to feel like I really have to, because I want to."
  • On getting involved with Exude: "[Diane and Laurence] approached me with this product and the technology behind it, and I was very intrigued because I've been obsessed with lipstick since I was 10. I mean, I can't remember not wearing lipstick ever. Any time there's something new in something that I have so much of, I'm like OK — I want to hear about it, I want to know about it. So we all sat at this meeting and they presented the actual technology of it and why it was so amazing. I was skeptical, and then I was like, 'Oh my God, it's kind of amazing' . . . I road-tested the product for a while. My whole team — I have 16 or 17 women in my office now, and every single one of them tried the lipstick. We all just loved the product. It was an incredible thing to be a part of. And then I got really involved in the packaging and stuff like that. It was great. I had a lot of fun doing it. I wear it, literally, like crazy."
  • On the Exude color she loves best: "I'm partial to the cranberry and the plum, and I'm really into the scarlet red. But I think right now, in the dead of Summer, I'm going to start playing with coral, and the nudes, and the browns. I honestly love them all. But I will say the cranberry is the one that never leaves my bag. Because you can apply it heavy or you can apply it very lightly."
  • On what's unique about Exude: "The way it rolls up, rolls down, there's no wasted product. It's not messy. You can't get germs or bacteria in it. It can't leak everywhere. I love the texture because I'm a freak about dry lips so I wanted something very moist but not too lacquer-y."
  • On products she loves: "Egyptian Magic is really a life-saver for me. In pregnancy, before pregnancy, during pregnancy, after pregnancy. I use a lot of California Baby products because they're all organic. I've been using organic for the last year, obviously."
Original Source of Interview: http://www.bellasugar.com


Available exclusively here:http://www.exudelipstick.com/
Will you buy? You know I just bought the Nude color!
x

Friday, July 22, 2011

Living Proof's Straight Review 7.22.11

You all know I am a lover of the Brazilian Blowout and yes, I am aware of the "toxic chemicals" and blah blah blah. I don't drink ( a glass or two of wine a week), I don't smoke, I eat healthy and exercise so I allow myself this one vice... IN THE NAME OF FRIZZ FREE HAIR! Come on, us girls gotta live a little right?

Anyway, when I heard about Living Proof's claim to have a product that will make me forget about and abandon my beloved Brazilian Keratin treatments I was very excited to try it out and see if it lived up to the big claims.

Let me start off my telling you about my hair type, VERY thick, long, wavy and frizz prone (Especially in one spot on the back of my crown), its like permanent bed head basically. Anyway, so the Brazilian keratin has been my best friend for over a year now. It completely banishes the frizz and allows me to shower and go (for any of you wavy/ curly hair ladies you know in the past this was only a far fetched dream that could never happen!) and if i want pin straight hair I could have it within 10 min. I could jump in the pool and swim at the beach without fear of the frizzies after and worrying I couldn't go out to dinner after without a good hour block of time to wash and tame my hair!

So back to Living Proof's Straight. It comes in an aerosol can and costs $29 for a full size 5.5 ounce can, and $17 for a travel size.



Not inexpensive but TOTALLY worth it if it lives up to the claims. Living Proof states that " It’s the first, safe and professional quality hair straightener for at-home consumers that does not permanently alter hair structure; gives you a straight style for as long as you want it. Can be used on wet or dry hair. It is also contains added ingredients for added shine and anti-static properties." Now does it?

Well Yes! It Does! I love the product, but I will not be using it to replace my Keratin Treatments. Let me explain...

Yes and no, YES, this product does exactly what it claims, allows for an easier straightening and prolongs your hairs straightening or blowout but I do not believe it really compares to the Keratin. This does not banish my frizz completely and takes some work to get it straight, unlike the Keratin. I think that if it did not claim to replace the Keratin treatment I would have not had as high crazy hopes for this product. However, it is a GREAT product. It really facilitates a GREAT blowout and does extend the life of the blowout. I will be getting the travel size to carry in my bag for sure. For someone like me, the large bottle would only last about three uses, which is okay. However, like I said, I really don't feel you can compare this product with the Brazilian Keratin treatment.

Do I recommend this product? HECK YES! I have been using every shampoo and it totally makes my life a lot easier with my hair and in this heat and humidity that is saying A LOT! I also think if your hair is not as thick as mine you will LOVE this product and maybe even disagree with opinion on the comparison to the keratin treatment. And if you do not want to get the Keratin treatment for fear of the chemicals, this will be your best bet!

Have you tried? Do you love? Thoughts?
x


PS: I was sent this product for review consideration however, it did not affect my opinion or thoughts whatsoever. If I didn't like it, I would tell you or just not review it!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Obsession Du Jour: Christian Dior Earthly Refelctions Quint

If you follow me on twitter you know that I have been obsessing over a new eyeshadow quint. It is not new to the world but new to me! It is the Christian Dior quint in the color Earth's Reflection.

I was in sephora picking up some more of the St.Tropez Spray tan (will talk about this later, LOVE IT) anyway, wasnt planning on buying anything else but I passed this and well the rest is history. I swatched it, walked away and went to pay but I had to go back to pick it up. I couldnt get it out of my head. I just love it.



It is so perfect for everyday, the colors are neutral and very versatile. You can do a dark smokey eye, a light smokey eye, sheer washes and tons more. The colors are a soft gold, a taupe (a PERFECT TAUPE), a dark chocolate brown, champagne and a light pink. I don't wear pink but the light shimmery pink really can brighten dull eyes.

The formula is fantastic and you can really tell how high quality it is. They are buttery smooth and the payoff is great from just one swatch.

See the swatches below (they are looking a tad lighter in the photo's then in real life)



The only downside is the price of $58. However, if you are an eyeshadow aficionado you will appreciate the quality and packaging.

Check it out here at Sephora.

Has anyone tried this? Thoughts?
x

Friday, July 8, 2011

Bobbi Brown EXTRA Moisturizing Balm 7.8.11

I have gotten a lot of questions about what moisturizer I use at night. The answer to that age old question is that I have been using Bobbi Brown's EXTRA balm at night for the past 3 months and have been absolutely in love with it.


It is a VERY thick cream, almost tacky in a way. I would ONLY recommend this for women with dry skin. As you all know, my skin is extremely dry and needs all the hydration it can get and this fits the bill. If you have oily skin this might just be too heavy for you.

This balm as Bobbi Brown calls it has a nice spa, lavender scent that is not overpowering or overwhelming. I really love the packaging, it is not travel friendly but it looks very nice on your counter. It is a quality, heavy glass jar with a thick black screw on top.

The only down side of this is the price, it is quite expensive at $86 a pop. Almost up there with La Mer. However, I have been using nightly and because you need SUCH a little amount, seriously, just a pea size amount will do, you never run out. I havent even made a DIP in it yet. Also, Bobbi Brown runs friends and family about 1-2 times a year for 30% off so if you want to grad this I would recommending waiting for that.

I picked mine up on BobbiBrown.com but it is available in Bloomingdales, Saks, etc.
Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?
x

Monday, June 27, 2011

Dior Addict Lipstick in 465 Singuliere 6.27.11

I wanted to put this review up forever and just havent had the time! Ah! Summer in New York City is always insane.

Anyway, this will be simple and quick. IN LOVE. MUST HAVE. The lipstick is Dior Addict Lipstick in 465 Singuliere.

This is scary in the tube and looks bright pink but on the lips is a milky cool pink that is shiny and very juicy. I would liken this to a watermelon colored pout with a splash of cream.

HOT.


Swatch on the left.

Have you tried? Thoughts?
x

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Obsession Du Jour: Lena 6/15/11

Okay, so you all know that I have been on a major health kick for months and one of the most requested topics I get is where to eat in NYC.

Personally, I found that it has been really hard to be able to be social and go out to eat while trying to stay healthy, eat clean and obviously low fat. If you know me, you know how much I love to eat and even more, I love to go OUT to eat. I am the kind of person that HATES bringing lunch to work and order in or go out all the time.

Anyway, I was tipped off on an amazing new place in New York. Unfortunately, they don't have any other locations but if you are a New Yorker, head on over to Lena. It's a hybrid between fast food and high end cuisine. The food is latin, one of my favorite cuisines and its SUPER healthy. The atmosphere is really great, they even have a wood burning grill.



They have wraps, salads and sandwiches but I got the salad with fish. I also love steak but didnt try that yet. The salad was one of the best I have eaten in a LONG time, the dressing was SO tasty. The fish was great too, light and flaky. I was with 4 friends, and three of us got the fish and my friend Amanda got the chicken. She loved that too. Best of all? They have fresh squeezed juices, which are all the rage right now.


Since, I ate so healthy I treated myself to one of my FAVORITE deserts ever, a traditional Latin cookie called "Alfajor". I dont know if any of you have ever tried this,but its basically a dulce de leche inspired cookie. It was SO good, literally I kept saying the whole time to my friends "You have to try this."

Best part about this healthy fare? Inexpensive, fresh and friendly service, a major feat in Manhattan as any of my fellow NYC-ers must know. Usually in the city if you are looking for inexpensive food... it TASTES LIKE IT! Gross. Not this, SO fresh and good! Majorly impressed and I am a totally foodie that tries every restaurant in the city!

I highly recommend checking this place out for lunch if you are in the Midtown, chelsea or garment center area. If not? I believe they deliver!

If you see the owner Ronnie, say Hello and tell him Dara sent you!
x

PS: I am always looking for great lunch spots, so let me know yours!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Giorgio Armani D'Armani Gloss Du Jour 6.10.11

Armani Beauty's answer to the liquid lipstick. Can not wait to see these in person!


X

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Gareth Pugh for MAC 6.7.11

Super excited about this.

Many reports confirmed that MAC will be working with fashion designer Gareth Pugh. The Gareth Pugh collection will globally launch in November with special packaging. This will blow Marcel Wanders out of the water. Hopefully, this will be as amazing as the MAC and Alexander Mcqueen collection. Marcel Wanders was so boring. Gareth Pugh is so architectural and conceptual. I hope the collection will match his style and wont go too main stream. I am a huge fan!



Press Release from MAC:

Today, M·A·C Cosmetics confirmed an upcoming collaboration with designer, Gareth Pugh. The brand will celebrate the partnership with Gareth next month at a cocktail party in New York City in anticipation of the global launch starting November 2011. The collection will include multiple colour products and accessories in special packaging. M·A·C has supported Gareth since he first began showing his collections nearly seven years ago.

Some links on it:
NYMag.com
Racked.Com

Thoughts?
x

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Obsession Du Jour: Chanel Fall 2011 5.31.11

I will let this picture do the talking first.
Chanel Fall 2011 collection.
Drool.


Okay, are you in love yet? I am.
The name of the collection is Illusion D'Ombre and is all about sexy metallics. Sign me up.

Take a look at these nail polishes. I am sure these will be a hit and sell out in no time. The colors from left to right are: Graphite, Peridot and Quartz, all named after the minerals that the colors mimic. The Peridot looks VERY interesting.


My favorite of the bunch? The 6 shimmery whipped gel eyeshadows. WHAT? Gel you say? Yep! Gel. How cool is that? I wonder how long these will last and how they will compare to the Armani Eyes to Kill shadows. I, for sure will be first on line to pick these babies up. Which is your favorite color? Mine? The black and the maroon!


Rouge Coco Lipsticks and Glossimers in 2 new colors.


Quad in Prelude. These are really great neutrals that can be smoked out or dressed down for every day. Really on board with this quad. You know me and my smokey taupes.



Collection it out this July.

Thoughts?
x

Sunday, May 29, 2011

MAC Sheen Supreme Du Jour 5.29.11

I am in love with this super creamy lipstick, it is from MAC's new (not brand new, but new to me) line Sheen Supreme in the color "supremely confident". Why am I so in love with this color? It is just SO creamy and shiny! The nude is your run of the mill TRUE nude, very similar to my all time favorite nude, Gosh Darling.

However, this is from the States and a lot easier to get since it is from MAC and basically there is a MAC in every city.

I highly reccomend this lipstick line if you love creamy shiny lipsticks and this color if you love a true pale nude. If you love those things you will be obsessed with this. The con? It doesnt last long at all because of the extreme creaminess (however once the shine wears off the nude color is left behind) and its easier to mess up the stick because its so soft!


Swatch on hand below:

Have you tried? Do you love?
x

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Givenchy Audacious Lashes Du Jour 5.22.11

This is one launch I am really looking forward to, Givenchy's Audaciuos Lashes. It is a new mascara. Usually, I do not really try new mascaras, I have three long time favorites, YSL Faux Cils, Lancome Hypnose and Loreal Voluminous. With these three, I really never need to try new ones because none really can even come close to these three goodies.

With that being said, I am PSYCHED to try this one, this one actually looks, dare I say... innovative?

The brush looks super unique. Check it out below. You can move the shaft up or down depending on if you want definition or volume and thickness.


What do you think? Will you try?
x

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

NARS SS2011 Pure Matte Madere 5.18.11

This one has been reviewed to death already but I wanted to add my 2 cents to the conversation, NARS Pure Matte is Madere. Yes, this is a semi difficult shade to wear. It is a true flesh color that pulls slightly pink. This color is very reminiscent of MAC's Fleshpot. It is very matte, so that means your lips need to be in tip top condition to wear. It would be very hard to wear if you have dry or cracked lips. However, I do not find that the actual lipstick dries my lips out.





I apply this in a patting motion and I usually put a clear balm underneath or on top. I do not find it changes the color at all. It does change the longevity of the lipstick. The lipstick alone will last for hours, with a balm underneath is lasts a little less, but I rather re-apply than have the look of dry lips.

What I love about this lipstick though is how natural of a nude it is (if applied right), it really is truly beautiful. I love love the color, definitely one of my favorite nudes right now. I like to use mattes because you have a lot of options with mattes. You can make it creamier with a gloss or balm or use it as a matte as is!

Oh yeah, and this lipstick has no stinky NARS smell. Good job NARS! I will be repurchasing this over and over, for sure!

Here is a crappy swatch on my arm and lips. The lighting looks a bit yellow.





Have you tried? Thoughts?
x

Monday, May 16, 2011

Skincare Du Jour 5.16.11

One of my most emailed about topics is skincare.

People are very interested in my routine and how to take care of your skin. As I have mentioned before, I do not wear foundation. The reason being, i like to let my skin breathe and I do not like the look of makeup on skin. When someone looks at me, I want them to see ME not a layer of gook. Not to say everyone that wears foundation looks like that, but I have seen some unfortunate incidents.

The most important thing with regards to makeup is your skin, without a skin nice base the makeup doesn't matter and to me your skin is your base.

My number one tip is to drink LOTS of water and exercise.

I know, I know! Everyone probably tells you this, but its true. To have your skin glow you need to be healthy from the inside out. Exercise also on top of keeping your body healthy promotes blood flow and releases good for your hormones which are led to believe to help your skin. Whether or not this is true, I know that the more I exercise the better my skin looks!

In addition to the above, it is very important to go to the dermatologist regularly to have your skin examined and have any spots or dots looked at. Melanoma is very serious and can be caught very quickly and easily! Take my advice on this one, schedule your next dermatologist appointment now! Again, if you have problematic skin sometime you really need a doctor to diagnose any underlying issues that may be causing this, such as a bacteria or a hormonal imbalance.

With all of that being said, I will be doing a series of upcoming posts on what I use for skincare.
Please let a comment here if you have any specific questions that I can answer for you!

x

Fresh: Cannibis Santal Du Jour 5.16.11

Writing a blog post about a scent is hard because it is SO hard to describe a scent but I will try my best. I am SO picky about perfumes. I love fruity perfumes for a second but I do not like to walk around smelling saccharine sweet. Most of my perfumes fall into two different categories soft and musky or deep and spicy. I do not like your typical types of perfumes.

This one is my favorite deep and spicy scent. I have been wearing this for over a year now and still love it. Quite a feat! Fresh Cannibus Santal is one of my very favorite perfumes. It smells very unisex and sexy, almost manly and woodsy. This is what you wear when you are going on a hot date or know you are going to be smooching!

It has notes of Vanilla Musk, Chocolate, Vetivier (quintessential sexy smell), Patchouli, Dark Plum, Kumquat and obviously Cannibus.

I carry a small bottle in my bag and have the big one in my bathroom.



You can purchase at Sephora or any FRESH store. The small bottle is $32 and the larger is $75.

Have you tried? What are your thoughts?
x

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Obsession Du Jour: Clarins Lip Perfector in Rose Du Jour 5.14.11

Hello Ladies, Excuse me for my longer than anticipated break, sometimes life just takes over!

Anyway, I am back and more ready than ever to share all my great finds and obsessions with you all again.

Lets get on with it shall we?

This is not a new find whatsoever, but more so something I have been using since high school (eek is that really 10 years ago?) Anyone that ever asks me what my favorite lip gloss is will always get the same answer. Clarins Lip Perfector in the "pink color" that's what I call it, but the technical name is Rose Shimmer.

This gloss is a jelly baby pink, it is not very pigmented but it covers your lip color, its very interesting. I guess you could call it a "My Lips but Better" color. I find that it gives your lips a pale pink cast. It is very moisturizing and "cushy" feeling and TOTALLY non sticky.

Now the bad part? I could literally go through a tube a week. I am so obsessed with it that I re-apply constantly and go through it at an abnormally fast pace and at $21.00 a pop that could get to be an expensive habit. However, if I had to chose one lip product for the rest of my life it just might be this one. BOLD statement. I know!



I should next get a picture of this on my lips. Ah, well.

Anyway, let me know if you have tried this and what your thoughts are!
x