the beautynista

Amber Rose's Pink Lip...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:32:00 +0000

Now this is how you rock a pink lip. Take note Ashanti. Amber's a bad mamma jamma! FAB!

Would you rock a daring color like this?

Spa Review: Ettoré Spa...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:47:00 +0000

Ettoré Spa is a local spa in downtown Philadelphia located at the Marriot hotel. I've been in and out once or twice to purchase hair products and have always been meaning to come back for a spa service. So this past Sunday, at the last minute, I decided to take advantage of Spa Finder's Deal Days and book the Stress Relief massage...

So here we go....

Staff: When I first arrived, there were two ladies at each of their front desks. I was not greeted when I walked in. Once I said hello and asked where should I check in, I was told by one of the ladies, "either here or there is fine". A little awkward standing in the middle of two desks. Once I was checked in, I was seated in the waiting area to fill out paperwork.

Ambiance/Decor: I didn't get the spaaahh feel when I initially walked in but figured that was due to the hair salon being downstairs, which is normal when you have a spa with a hair salon located in it. I figured once I got upstairs it would be more serene and relaxing. The waiting area was small. Iced water available for guests. Uupstairs was not at all what I expected. It was quieter than downstairs, but nothing was spa-like about it. No waiting area upstairs. I was taken straight to the massage room to get undressed. Decor was basic. Walls were neutral colors and simple.

Service: My female masseuse greeted me downstairs and escorted me upstairs to my room. Once I was changed, she came in and began the massage. I was not asked about my trouble spots, what type of pressure I like, etc. Some of these questions were asked on the form I filled out, but I still think there should be some discussion or review of my answers. Moving on, the massage itself was basic, nothing to run home about. The pressure was not as deep as I like. Honestly, I barely felt anything. She used way too much oil and was just slipping and sliding all over my body. The massage felt rushed and was not very relaxing. The best part of the massage was the warm towel placed on my back to take off the oil. That was more relaxing to me than the actual massage. When it was over, I still felt tense all over, especially in my upper back/shoulder area, which is where I carry all my stress if you will. No stress was relieved. Lastly, after the massage, I was never offered a glass of water, but was told several times how important it was to drink water after a massage. hmmmmm?

The Highs: Convenient location, accomodates last minute appointments.

The Lows: Staff not very attentive, barely any communication between masseuse and guest, service was not customized to my needs/concerns.

Final Verdict: Even with the discounted rate, I was not impressed and will probably not return. I feel there are better spas in the city that are worth the money.

Ready, Set, SPA!...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:11:00 +0000

Once again it's on!.... Spa Week is next month from April 12th - April 18th. Spa treatments for $50 and appointments are going fast. I'm all booked for a facial at Deva spa.

Where will you be heading?

2 Tips On How To Apply Mascara...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:19:00 +0000

We all want to get the most out of our mascara. Truth be told, it's all about technique. You can get pretty much any mascara to produce great results just based on how you apply it...

The first tip is one beauty editor Tia Williams learned from the pros (click pic below to watch)...

The second tip is from yours truly. Well, not really from me, but I learned this a few months back while attending a MAC makeup class and It's pretty simple. Picture the motion your windshield wipers make on your car. Use that same motion when initially applying your mascara. Hold the wand upright, and using the tip of the wand, go back and forth, from left-to-right, across your lashes just like a windshield wiper. After you've coated your lashes this way, go back, holding the wand horizantally this time, and reapply. This helps get every lash coated, for a more even application!

What techniques do you use to apply mascara?

Spa Review (Reader Review): Chill Spa...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 18:51:00 +0000

A friend of mine recently visited NYC's Chill Spa for a much needed massage. He caught a deal on Lifebooker and booked a deep tissue massage for $50 and wanted to share his experience (and a few pics) with us...

Ambiance/Decor: Superbly clean, well lit and good ambianace music but decor was dated and low end. Equipment was also low end from the massage tables to towels to blankets to wall decorations. Free tea, coffee, mineral water and fruit/snacks in the waiting room.

Staff: Extremely friendly, appointment punctual, money transaction smooth.

Service: Massseuse was knowledgable, communicative and had excellent hands, pressure was nearly perfect and constant, troubled areas were massaged so that,s how I knew she knew her stuff. Spent a good amount of time in each area. Basically covered 100% of my "massageable" body.

The Highs: Very good massage, incredible bang for the buck, very clean, very friendly staff.

The Lows: no high-end amenities. Appeared to be understaffed and didnt have a dedicated person at the front desk, so I was left alone a couple of times.

Final Verdict: I would recommend and go back myself at the discounted price, but for the regular price of $95, I may consider going to a more high end place.

Thanks for the review A. I think I will adopt that "massageable body" term. : )

Katherine Heigl: Blonde vs Brunette...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:58:00 +0000

Love it or Hate it?...

...Greys Anatomy's Izzy is now a brunette. Which do you prefer?

My Oscar Picks...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:53:00 +0000

So did everyone tune in last night for the red carpet? BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! I coulda had a V8. And what is with Ryan Seacrest not inquiring about the designers? Can we please get Guilliana down there next year!

Moving on, although I thought the carpet was sad overall, I did have three favs for the night.....

Jenny Lo looked stunning in her Armani pretty in pink gown...

LUV it. And you know she knows how to pose!

Demi did not disappoint in this ruffled Versace number...

I need more confidence when posing though...See Jenny!

And I thought Miley Cyrus was just the cutest thing in strapless Jenny Packham...

She was also my pick for best makeup...

Now on to the not so favs...

I'm sorry, no bueno Zoe! Was she still stuck in Avatar? I don't know which I hated more, the chandelier material top or the loofah sponge bottom...

And SJP in Chanel? Lawd...

And had the nerve to show the back...

She was my pick for worst makeup and hair....YIKES!

Who were your picks for the evening?

The Beyonce Cosmetology Center...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:15:00 +0000

Joined by mama Knowles, today Beyonce unveiled the Beyonce Cosmetology Center at the Phoenix House in Brooklyn, New York...

The center will offer a residential substance abuse treatment program that will help residents prepare for a career in cosmetology.

Gossip Girls

New Beauty: H&M...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:26:00 +0000

H&M has added beauty to their long list of products. Launching this month, products include shower gels, lotions, scrubs and lip balms all made with certified organic ingredients. All will be available in deelish scents like Raspberry Melon, Lavender Mint and Fresh Vanilla. YUM!...

And, these cute toiletry bags helps you keep all the goodies together:

Items retail for $5 - $7.

Kairos Giveaway Winner...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:09:00 +0000

Timesurge, please DM me your info! Congrats and thanks for entering.

Elizabthe Arden's Red Door Red...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:43:00 +0000

To commemorate 100 years of beauty innovation, Elizabeth Arden is celebrating with the launch of the NEW Limited Edition Anniversary Lipstick.

A universally flattering, sheer lipstick, the Red Door Red hue stylishly represents strength and femininity – a beautiful way to pay tribute the Elizabeth Arden woman.

In honor of Miss Arden’s belief in the importance of total beauty, Elizabeth Arden is proud to donate all of the proceeds from the lipstick to Look Good … Feel Better ®. This organization helps to improve the self-image, appearance and quality of life for people undergoing cancer treatments by teaching beauty techniques, which help them to cope with the beauty-related consequences of cancer and boost their self-confidence.

Packaged in a luxurious gold case that calls to mind the glamour and drama of 1940s makeup, the lipstick offers a triple-emollient moisturizing formula that contains vitamins A, C and E, along with aloe, to instantly hydrate lips and cushion them for total comfort.

By purchasing the Elizabeth Arden Limited Edition Anniversary Red Door Red Lipstick, you’ll not only take part in celebrating our fabulous years of beauty, but you’ll be helping women to look good, feel better and enjoy life.

Beyoncé's Secret To Pampered Soles...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 01:25:00 +0000

With all the dancing and running around Bey does on stage, I can only imagine how sore and painful her feet are when she gets home. In a recent EbonyJet interview, she lets us in on how she gives her feet a little TLC at home...

My feet take beatings; I mean I have some nights, many nights, where my feet are bleeding. I always have bruises under my toenails; that doesn’t sound pretty, but it’s like a ballet dancer’s feet. So I try to take care of them. I use this blue foot sleeve from Bliss Spa. It’s kind of like a sophisticated version of putting your feet in Vaseline and sleeping in socks [laughs]…but it helps!

Available online at BlissWorld. And from now until March 31st, 75% of the retail price of each pair sold in the United States will be donated to UNICEF in support of relief efforts in Haiti.

Kairos GIVEAWAY...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:37:00 +0000

Whether it's from hair gels, hairsprays, or even your shampoo, occasional blemishes around your hairline are more common than you may think. A lot of haircare products contain ingredients that strip the oils in your hair, which in turn, also strips the skin. When you skin is dried out like this it sends your oil glands into overdrive to make up for the oil that is lacking. The end result, a crown of pimples around your hairline.

Kairos has developed a line of hair products with salicylic acid to help elimate, treat and prevent acne. How GENIOUS!

Kairos is a new approach to acne management: the first-ever complete anti-acne hair care system formulated to help treat and prevent breakouts by combating the acne-causing factors linked to hair and hair products. The range was created for all acne sufferers, and designed to provide salon-quality hair care benefits without the acne-irritating aftermath often caused by other hair care.

What It Does Exactly:

Eliminate: Formulate hair care without acne-aggravating and pore-clogging ingredients like those present in most hair care products

Treat: Clear & control breakouts by unclogging pores

Prevent: Help to prevent acne by balancing the overproduction of oil by the scalp & limiting acne-aggravating oils and ingredients

AND, do the above while still ensuring that the hair is healthy and looks great!

And best of all, your hair is still left shiny, soft and tangle free! What more could you ask for?

Too good to be true? Wanna try it out? Follow me on twitter and retweet this post to enter for your chance to win the Clarifying Complexion-Clearing Shampoo and Balancing Breakout-Controlling Conditioner.

Winner will be chosen and announced on Friday March 5th @ noon!

The Eyes Have It: Keri Hilson...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 18:22:00 +0000

Keri at the 41st annual NAACP awards...

I'm loving the eye makeup here...

...I'm normally not a fan of anything asymmetrical but this dress is gorgeous and she wears it well.

Spa Deal Days - One Week Only...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:27:00 +0000

Click here to browse through participating spas and book your appointment for some much needed relaxation!

R&R JetSet Beauty...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:17:00 +0000

THINK: Glam makeup must-haves housed in a chic carryall.

Rock & Republic has created a collection of cult favorites and stashed it in a sleek patent leather train case for maximum jetset style. Each kit, offered in either warm or cool colors, contains three lip glosses, one eye shadow trio, an Accentuate Bronzer/Highlighter, as well as the complete brush collection and limited-edition Essie “Matte About You” matte finisher polish:

Lip Glosses: The pout-perfecting formula offers maximum moisture in a non-sticky texture—one swipe delivers a sheer tinted gloss.

Cool Kit Shades: Runaway, Sexy Beast, Conspiracy

Warm Kit Shades: Trust Fund, Alpha Blonde, Femme Fatale

Eye Colour Trio: Stocked with three shades, these trios are perfect for beauty on the go.

Cool Kit Shade Trio: a cool spectrum of shimmer grey, dark shimmer grey and shimmer purple

Warm Kit Shade Trio: a warm range of shimmer beige, bright purple and matte black

Accentuate Bronzer/Highlighter: Housed in a glam Swarovski compact, this Bronzer/Highlighter duo is a first-class ticket to a beachfront bronzed glow and a touch of shimmer. The refillable compact includes one matte-finish universal bronze shade and one of three shimmer-finish highlighting formulas to illuminate cheekbones.

Cool Kit Highlighter: Villa

Warm Kit Highlighter: Penthouse

Both kits include:

Brush Collection: Create your custom look with this super luxe brush collection, including a Face Brush, Blush Brush, Large Eye Shader Brush, Small Eye Shader Brush, Eye Definer Brush, Eye Blending Brush, Angled Eye Liner Brush and Smudge Eye Liner Brush.

Matte About You Matte Finisher: The perfect solution to mattifying any nail color. The versatile formula can be used to matte just the tips of nails or create one-of-a-kind designs, making every manicure an original.

I got my hands on a few products from the warm kit, click below to check it out...

Lipglosses

Alpha Blonde and Trust Fund

Eyeshadow

bright purple

Available at: RockandRepublicCosmetics.com, Rock & Republic Signature Store — Robertson Boulevard, Los Angeles and Rock & Republic — Encore Wynn, Las Vegas

Janet's New Do...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Janet hit up London's Fashion week with a cute shorter do...

Me likey. Thoughts?

New Beauty: La Mer...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:23:00 +0000

Set to hit stores on March 1st, the Max Huber Research Labs have created The Regenerating Serum, La Mer’s new anti-aging powerhouse. Four years and hundreds of hours of lab work in the making, this ultra-luxe elixir is the result of the combined effort of physicists, marine botanists and biologists around the world. Not only does it contain a high concentration of La Mer’s proprietary Miracle Broth™, but it also includes the new Regenerating Ferment™, derived from marine plant stem cells.

The Regenerating Ferment™ helps skin trigger its natural production of collagen, elastin and other “youth proteins,” harnessing the power of the skin’s ability to renew its appearance. In a day, skin looks rejuvenated. With continued use, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is radically diminished for a seemingly ageless look. And this multi-action serum accomplishes all of these feats with a lightweight suspension formula that’s friendly to all skin types.

What You Need To Know: Powerful Anti-Aging Ingredients

Miracle Broth™: The original fermented elixir, known for its healing energies, developed by Dr. Max Huber.

The Regenerating Ferment™: A new bio-ferment containing potent marine plant stem cells. The Regenerating Ferment™ assists in the skin’s renewal, helping support its natural structure, restore its integrity and protect it from external aggressors.

The Marine Peptide Ferment: An anti-age marine algae and peptide complex which helps firm the look of skin and boost its natural collagen production, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

Colloidal Gold: A skincare super-conductor that effectively delivers skin smoothing, firming and anti-irritant benefits to the skin.

Lime Tea: A unique lime peel extraction, and one of Dr. Huber’s original
ingredients included in Crème de la Mer—a perfect antioxidant companion to the Miracle Broth™.

Available at select Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and http://www.lamer.com/

What's In Kim's Makeup Bag...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys Does Gotham Magazine...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 16:30:00 +0000

A. Keys on the latest issue of Gotham mag. I love it!

Stylist: June Ambrose

Reader Pic: OPI for Sephora

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:40:00 +0000

Reader jetsetterchic couldn't get enough of her nails while driving.

OPI for Sephora - I'm with Brad - a shimmering wine over dark coffee

Available at Sephora.

NYFW 2010: Sally Hensen and Tracy Reese...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:45:00 +0000

THINK: The new neutrals . . . deep, smoky nail shades inspired by modern runway designs.

WHAT IT IS: A fashionable collaboration between nail color expert Sally Hansen and designer Tracy Reese. For the ninth season in a row, Sally Hansen has joined forces with fashion icon Tracy Reese to develop the season’s essential accessory: stark nail lacquers inspired by Reese’s fall collection.

INSPIRATION: For fall 2010, Tracy Reese draws on urban and rural influences in a highly modern, wearable collection. Prince of Wales checks, distressed faux fur and stretch suede styles are softened by feminine lace, pleated chiffons and draping. In an array of rich, natural tones like spruce green, bittersweet brown, smoky blue and sweet blush, the collection infuses rustic country fare with sharp city bite. The shades in the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Collection reflect this emphasis on natural tones, urban inspiration and layering. On the runway, Reese layered black Leaver’s lace over the nude shade “Wet Clay” to create a custom textured look.

The five new shades in the nail color collection are made with Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, an all-in-one formula that combines the benefits of a base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, rich color and top coat in a single multi-tasking polish. The patented formula features the most advanced lacquer technology, concentrated high-intensity color, and encapsulated treatment sphere of Vita-Care Technology.

This season’s shades include:

Evening Fog, Fedora, Wet Clay, Touch of Mink, Bittersweet

Tracy Reese receiving a manicure by Sally Hansen Nail Expert, Dana Caruso, with the

Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Bittersweet

Dana Caruso and her team of Sally Hansen nail care experts were backstage creating the custom black Leaver's Lace nail look on all the models

Sally Hansen manicurists apply black Leaver’s Lace over Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Wet Clay to create the runway nail look

We’re so thrilled to be joining forces with Tracy Reese once again,” says Bill Boraczek, Senior Vice President of Cosmetics Marketing, Coty Beauty US. “We love working with her season after season because she always brings her uniquely feminine sensibility to Sally Hansen shades, creating a fashion-forward collection that truly works for every woman

Available at mass retailers for $7.

All You Need For Soft Lips...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:29:00 +0000

For as long as I can remember, I have been using Aquaphor every evening for my chapped lips. My mom used to get boxes of this stuff for her patients and I would always borrow some to moisturize my lips. Lucky Magazine took a poll a few months back asking what were reader's favorite lip treatment and this miracle ointment was named over and over again.

Grab a slightly damp washcloth and rub it in a circular motion on dry lips to exfoliate. When done, slather on some Aquaphor and the next morning you will be ready to go. Try it....you'll like it!

Fox Divine...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:12:00 +0000

Actress Vivica Fox is currently in Philadelphia for the next three days shooting for her new wig line, Fox Divine. The line will include extension pieces, ponytails and wigs and is set to launch later this year.

An Unexpected Surprise...

noreply@blogger.com (the beautynista) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:39:00 +0000

Three weeks ago I headed to ATL for the weekend for my best friend's wedding. While packing, the night before of course, I found myself scrounging around the house for little bottles to put my skincare products in....

...then suddenly I remembered I had a few sample sets I received a few months ago while attending a Beauty Summit in NYC. I ended up grabbing the first thing I saw, which was an organic skincare line named Luzerne. The company combines organic and medical principles in all of their products. It is paraben, sulfate and formaldehyde free, hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic with promises of leaving your skin clean and glowing.

Included in the set was the Pure Cleansing Gelee, the Vita-O2 Hydra-Refining Mist, Wrinkle Eraser Serum and Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Creme.

First let me tell you, when I saw that the cleaser was a "gelee" and the moisturizer had a gel-like texture, I immediately thought my skin was going to be tight and dry. This was soooo not the case. The cleanser felt nice and did not leave my skin irritated and tight after rinsing. In a word, my skin was calm. The Oxygen moisturizer was a dream. It glided on easily and absorbed instantly, leaving my skin absolutely glowing. Such a luxurious feeling from such a simple product.

I used the line the entire weekend while in ATL, morning and night, and continued once I got back home for another 2 weeks. What was interesting is after only using the line for the first three days, when I returned to work on Monday, two of my co-workers commented on how nice my skin looked. I mean wow, this was only after using it for THREE days!

It's rare that all my products are from one line, but this is a line where I would definitely use everything. I had a good experience with all four products. By far the star of the line for me was the Force De Vie Pure Oxygen Creme. I would bathe in this if I could. I never thought an organic line would yield such great results!

Available online and at select spas.