Obsession Du Jour: Blinged out iPhone case for under $20

After my last post and video about my crystallized iPhone case I got tons of questions about it. 

Exciting news is that my girl Gina is doing a huge promo for this week. You know I never post about sales or what not, but this is something I love!  I have these cases and they normally cost $50- $200 and Crystal Icing charges up to $400 for celeb blinged out phones.  

So basically, now you can get a crystallized iPhone case for under $20. Who doesn’t love some sparkle?That is a good price, I am going to snag a few for holiday presents!

ENJOY! No code or anything, you can just order it on their site here http://crystalicing.com/products.asp?cat=98

 

xx

Holy Lashes, Obsession Du Jour: Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara 9.28.12

This is something I have been meaning to post about forever, but actually it is right in time for the elusive upcoming Sephora friends and family sale (I do not know exactly when it is, but it usually hits sometime around October 20th).

I posted about this on Instagram and I got tons of interest, feedback and validation that this product is basically the best thing since sliced bread. 

I love eyelash extensions, but I can not stand the feeling of them. Now, now, I am not saying this will mimic fake eyelashes and in 2 minutes you will have Kim Kardashian eye lashes buttttt its pretty dang close. This really thickens and elongates you eyelashes without clumping. It gives very long fluttery lashes. I was asked if it does hold curl and I never noticed that, because my lashes are I guess, pretty curly naturally, but I curled them and they stayed all day, so the answer is yes on that (That's for you Rae!). Additionally, it says that it is a 4 in 1 mascara providing, length, volume, curl AND lash care! Cool!

This is my personal favorite mascara I have used as of yet, previously Yves Saint Laurent's Faux Cils has that title. Funny, that I never liked any of the previous Givenchy mascara's until this one. I am glad I got this sample from Sephora or I would have never tried it.

The below is the sample from Sephora, but I have recently gotten the full size (I actually have three now. One for home, one for my makeup bag and one for my desk. Yes, that is HOW much I like it).

So, do I recommend trying this? YES. If you can still get a sample from Sephora, definitley take advantage of that and if not, it is worth the $30 somesthing plunge. Trust me!

By, the way, Sephora is the only retailer you can grab this from currently, check it out here!

Have you tried? Will you?

xx

Very exciting announcement: I am OFFICIALLY a Beauty Editor!

I don't know if I have shared this on my blog yet, but I know I have mentioned a million times on my twitter account (@BelleDuJourNYC) . I am now a beauty editor (just add it on to my 2 other full time jobs) at a luxury magazine. 

I am so excited to announce that my debut issue as the beauty editor hits stands today.

I’d like to introduce you to 25A Long Island’s newest luxury print magazine. 25A caters to those who have a fine-tuned taste for luxurious treasures and takes its audience inside one of the most affluent areas in America, Long Island's Gold Coast. From stories and profiles about prominent figures in both media and business worlds to the latest in high-fashion, exotic automobiles, restaurants, events, sensuous travel destinations, beauty must-haves, and Gold Coast mansions, this is the ultimate guide to the sweet life of Long Island.

Set to be Long Island's premier luxury magazine, 25A aims to enchant its readers with intelligent editorial, beautiful design and captivating photography. This September 19^th marks the third issue. 

Below are my three beauty pages that I have put together for the Autumn 2012 issue!

  

For those that know me, you know how obsessed I am with beauty, hence the creation of this blog! It was a perfect match, as I am originally from the Gold Coast of Long Island as well.

You can see the whole magazine here http://www.25amagazine.com/index.php/component/k2/item/80-autumn-2012

And, of course, if you are on Long Island, be sure to pick one up!

xx 

Dara 

PS- A very special, big thank you to Gwen Wunderlich of Wunderlich Inc PR !!

Bling du Jour: Crystalized Cell Phone Case by Crystal Icing 8.25.12

If you know me, you know I love sparkle. I love it on just about anything (minus in makeup). I am a sucker for anything crystallized or blinged out. I have been on an eternal hunt for the perfect crystallized iphone case. It is really hard to find a true swarovski crystal case and not have it be cheesy! That's always the catch with the crystals...its a fine line between fun and Vegas stripper!

Anyway, I met Gina through one of my many lines of work (so true), she is a client of the PR firm that I work with, Wunderlich Inc. When I saw her line, Crystal Icing, www.crystalicing.com, I DIED! She is the babe behind the bling! She has done everyone's bling from Bethenny to Pauly D's head phones and laptop case (they are buddies!) to Paris Hilton to Mariah Carey to Justin Beiber.

I told her that I wanted to order a case so I sent her my logo (she can customize ANYTHING- a guitar, a laptop, an iPad, a sharpie... ANYTHING!) and she surprised with me with a completed iPhone case and a business card holder. For me, a business card holder is SO important, this I can three of my own!

Anyway, I got my package and was running around my apartment like a 5 year old. EVERYONE now asks where I got my case. I spoke to Gina and asked her if I could give my readers a discount and she said yes, which is super nice of her.

So, you can go on her site, and look around and get 10% off anything you order with the code BELLE. Just to be CLEAR, I do not make a cent off of anything anyone orders, I just wanted to share this fun company with you all!

Check out her website here: www.crystalicing.com. Pictures below.

It is hard to actually catch on camera how amazingly sparkly these babies are.

Are you a sucker for bling like me?
Which is your favorite on her site?

xx

Obsession Du Jour: Pureology Precious Oil Hair Treatement

I am very loyal to hair products (the same can not be said for beauty products). I do not really venture outside of my comfort zone when it comes to my hair. I am kinda crazy about it.

As for hair styling products, well, I dont really use them, I know I should, but I dont. I dont use hairspray, gels, serums or anything like that. I like the look of bed head, I like sexy and messy hair, however I do not like dry and brittle hair. I do, however, use Argan Oil in my hair to control frizz and add some extra shine. I have been using it since 2009 (I told you! I am loyal). This is where my new obsession has come in. I recently came across Pureology's Precious Oil line, I haven't dug into the shampoo and conditioner yet, but I have tried the precious caring oil and I LOVE IT.

Here is a quick back of the cab shot of my hair with the Precious Oil, it actually has some shine.

The product has no silicone in it, which I love and contains, safflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil. You only need a teeny little bit daily and this stuff banishes frizz like no ones business and smells lovely to boot, like a tropical escape. It is meant to be used on wet hair or dry. I prefer to use on dry hair to tame the frizz and make my hair look ultra supple and healthy hair.  You can also use this as a pre- shampoo oil treatment. It is uber concentrated so you really only need a few drops and this will last you forever. Trust me.

This is one of the first hair products in the line to be Green Seal certified which means it is line with environmental safety standards.  This is worth every penny.

Have you tried? Will you? YOU SHOULD!

xx

Haulin' Du Jour 8.15.12

I have been at Sephora more than I care to admit. However, I have been finding some AMAZING products.I have re-falling in love with Stila products, they really have stepped it up.

I can't wait to share all with you.

For now, here is a little sneak peek!

 

xx

Sexy Scent Du Jour: Diptyque Volutes 8.11.12

Now this my dear friends is a sexy scent. Dark, woodsy, leather, tobacco, pink pepper and more.

Dive into this heady blend starting when the weather cools down. Available in September.

Xx

Weekend Du Jour 8.7.12

Wanted to share a few roof top photos from my weekend. Enjoy!

Xx

Jewels du jour 8.2.12

My new little buggy friend I just added to my jewelry fam. He is a little rose gold, oxidized silver and diamond guy.

Say hello to Fred. I just named him that.

Xx

ODJ: Conceal Cover FX Camouflage concealer 8.1.12

I have been very bad with shopping for makeup. In the past few months I was so good however, tell me if you guys are with me on this. You are so good and not buying a ton of uneeded things for a few months and then you just dip your toe in the makeup shopping pool by buying one lipstick and before you know if you have made three trips to sephora and accumulated a small makeup counter in you apartment. If you follow me on instagram (@DaraKaye) you know that I have been picking up quite a few things!

Ah well, the life of a beauty addicct.

Anyway, back on track, along my travels I was looking for a new concealer. I just haven't been that happy with what I was currently using. Two weeks I found a GREAT concealer at Target, which is Boots No 7 quick cover (I will take about that later- it is a little dry for under eyes but amazing at brightening). I wanted to find something with a salmon tint as that really does the best job at concealing dark circles. I dont have any puffiness or bags, but I get killer dark eye circles. Probably a mix of hereditary and lack of sleep.

I was wondering around in Sephora and happened to swatch Conceal Cover FX Camouflage concealer. Cover FX was never a brand I was drawn to as I really dont like to cover up my skin. They are known for their foundations. I just use tinted moisturizers and bronzers. I dont like the heavy feel. Anyway, even upon first swatch I was super impressed. The coverage is OPAQUE without being heavy, it has a creamy consistency and it is the perfect color for me (I got light) and it blends SO well. IT kinda of transforms to your skin tone as you can see below in my swatch. I am so happy I found this, this is my new holy grail. You can check it out here on Cover Fx's website.

More info after the pictures.

 

Swatches- You can see the difference in color from right out of the tube then blended in. Amazing

 

I picked it up at Sephora here for $27, yes it is a bit pricey but it is SO worth it. Trust me on that.

Have you tried? Will you?

xx Dara

Midweek Relaxation Du Jour 7.25.12

Sometimes you just need a little R&R.
Enjoying the pool for the day on Long Island. See ya later Manhattan.

Xx

Skincare du jour - Boots No. 7 moisturizers 7.24.12

Loving this skincare from Boots No. 7 right now. Full review to come... but quick review.

I bought these at Target, both were under $15. The top one is an anti-aging like. I tend to go for anti-aging as I have very dry skin and I am 27 so I have started the anti-aging war early. It is very emollient and hydrating and yet not greasy (and I LOVE the smell).

The bottom is a lighter, day version that is great for under makeup.

So far I am liking this better than my La Mer and Revive- go figure! I like something that is under $15 and from Target more than a $100 tub of night creme.

 

More to come! Have you ever tried Boots No. 7?

 

xx

Self Tan Du Jour: Kate Somerville 360

Testing this out...

Will report back. Have you ever tried Kate Somerville 360?

X

Obsession Du Jour: Prtty Peaushun Body Lotion 7.9.12

First of all, I hope everyone had a lovely and relaxing 4th of July and Holiday weekend. I know, I sure did. I spent my time out on the North Shore of Long Island at my families home. Hot sunny days in a cool pool with family. Nothing beats it.

Now, onto more exciting things, my newest and most fabulous beauty find. I have been looking forward to putting up this review all weekend. I had to try it out first though, of course.

What the heck is it you might be thinking? Looks like those gel vitamin drinks you can pick up at GNC right? But, alas, it is not. It is the most amazing and secret body lotion. I dont know if you can only classify it as a body lotion though. Molly Sims calls it her 'Secret Weapon'. 

I first found out about this while doing my obsessing over Tracey Anderson (If you dont know who she is, you should! She is a trainer out in LA who is adorable and her work outs kick major booty). I was watching one of her backstage videos and her makeup artist was putting this on her. I did a little background research and I found out it was called 'Prtty Peaushun'- pronounced I assume, Pretty Potion. They have a Prtty Peaushun website you can order on and yes that is Tracey Anderson's bod featured on the website. Amazing right? Anyway, I found a website where they sell it for 20% off here called Payless Beauty! with the code PT20, so I would order from there! I did!

Now onto the actual review, this is a very light, quick absorbing, completely not greasy lotions for your body. I haven't yet tried it on my face, but I will. I am a daredevil like that. This stuff is AMAZING. It does not have any sparkle but very very refined micro shimmer to give you a glowing look. You do not even see the shimmer when you are in person, just looks like your skin is HIGHLY moisturized, something I always strive for. There is a light citrus-y scent that fades within minutes of applying. I ordered the lotion in medium because I have a tan, but it is not really colored, I would describe it as a peach. I think it is a very universal color. Anyone can use it, tan or not. It really is a 'perfecting lotion', it minimized any color discolorations and I know this sounds ludicrous but makes your legs look more in shape. I know, I know! Trust me though.

See some photo's of the product itself and swatched on my arm below.

Medium Color

Interesting nozzle where the product dispenses from- I quite like it.

Up close and personal with my arm- Prtty Peaushun rubbed in

 

A little further away, no sparkle can be seen in person, just a glow!

 

It retails on the Prtty Peaushun site for $36 but I found it for $28 on Payless beauty and with a 20% off code comes to around $22 so its not a bad deal. It comes with a decent amount, remember this really isn't a moisturizer, more of an 'accent cream' so you shouldn't go through it TOO quickly. The only thing I could possibly compare it to is BECCA's highlighter in pearl, which is a bit thicker and more concentrated as it is a true highlighter, this is not. This is light and more liquid-y and less shimmer-y. This so far can not be duped for me.

Best of all, it is 100% cruelty free, leaping bunny certified and 99.7% natural.

I think we have a winner here! I just ordered a 2nd package of it.

Will you try this out? Let me know!

xx

NARS Orgasm Campaign Du Jour 7.2.12

As soon as I saw this I had to immediately share this with you.

I have been a long time lover of NARS, in my opinion has some of the best products on the market (Hello, my Holy Grail of all bronzers, Casino and my favorite brown eyeshadow, Mekong). However, the famous blush Orgasm, has not been on my favorite list. Sometimes it gets a little sparkly for me. That being said, the makeup in the new Orgasm Campaign from NARS is. TO. DIE. FOR.

This is what I call effective marketing, because I want to go out right now to NARS and buy every single thing listed here!

Take a look at the video below :

The makeup is as follows:

EYES
- Apply Orgasm Multiple to the eyelid, blending with finger to a fresh finish.
- Apply Fez to the eyelid. Add depth to the crease and the lash line with a mixture of the chestnut shade of Surabaya Duo Eyeshadow and Lulu Eyeshadow.
- Blend a wash of Night Rider Eyeshadow to the eyelid.
- Highlight the brow bone with Albatross Highlighting Blush powder.
- Line the eyes with Via Veneto Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner and finish with two coats of Larger Than Life Volumizing Mascara.

LIPS
- Line and fill the lips with Rosebud Lipliner Pencil. Blend with finger to soften the color.
Apply Orgasm Lip Gloss to the lips.

NAILS
Complete the look with Orgasm Nail Polish on the nails.

I need everything that was used on the eyes now. This is one of my favorite eyelooks I have seen in a  long time.

What are your thoughts?
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