prettyisprettydoes

New Year, New You Beauty, as seen on FOX 31 Denver, Colorado's Everyday Show: expert advice from beauty and style expert Susan Redstone

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0000

Did you know, you should replace your mascara every three months? And your foundation, every six? Beauty products do have a shelf life, and we'll show you what to toss and when. Luckily, since new beauty innovations pop up just as fast, if it's time to toss out some of those antique products and make room for some new items, Beauty and Style expert Susan Redstone has some of the newest replacments to refresh your beauty supply for the new year.

Whats OLD? Six-month old liquid based foundations.

Buy NEW: Dream Nude Airfoam Foundation SPF 16 by Maybelline New York $10.99 at drugstores.

Ideal for normal skin, try this amazing foundation designed to achieve 100% nude perfection for a lightweight, flawless finish.

What's OLD? Six-month old lipsticks, lip glosses

BUY NEW: Vaseline Lip Therapy Original (mini on-the-go jar) $3.29 - www.vaselineliptherapy.com for chance to win Swarovksi crystal jar

One of the best lip treatments ever to combat dry or chapped lips. Smooth some on and prepare to pucker up (a great investment with VDay just around the corner).

What's OLD? Tired, thin brows and lashes

Buy NEW: Rapidlash $49.95 at drugstores or www.Rapidlash.com

It's clinically proven to be safe and effective in enhancing the appearance of lashes and brows--and who doesn't want lashes or brows that wow?!

What's OLD? A three-month-old mascara

Buy NEW: NYX Cosmetics Boudoir Mascaras www.nyxcosmetics.com $6

Get longer, fuller lashes with one of seven formulas and seven distinctive wands--in a spanking new tube! Time to get batty.

For more great beauty advice, go to www.kdvr.com.

STILL PRETTY GREAT: Jergens Ultra Healing Moisturizer

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Some beauty and skincare brands have been around for a while...and whether they launch new products or continue to offer the same formulas they are known for, they're still pretty great. I was recently sent a complimentary bottle of Jergens Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer ($3.99 for 10 fl. oz.) from the Kao Brands company and am happy to learn that after years of using Jergens' products, I am still a huge fan. This is one product I can't live without...

Starting winter without Jergens is like heading into sub-zero temps without a scarf and gloves. You want to protect yourself from the elements and Jergens is your best shield. Formulated with a blend of vitamins C, E and B5 to deeply nourish and replenish skin, the fast-absorbing body lotion goes beneath skin's surface to lock in moisture and heal dryness at the source, preventing its return. Offering 24-hour relief, the formula helps heal extra dry skin including heels, elbows and knees--which are often some of the toughest nuts to crack.

Slather it all over to instantly double hydration, and infuse skin with a powerful blend of intensely-moisturizing vitamins. The replenishing formula not only helps heal extra dry skin, but it also softens and smooths, leaving you with winter skin you can be proud of.

The best part: When it's time to shed your clothes to escape winter and jet off to someplace warm, you'll be more than prepared to bare. Throw it in your suitcase to combat dry heat, the sun, and chlorine which can also dry out your skin, leaving it yearning for some serious hydration. Go to www.jergens.com for more info or drugstores nationwide to purchase.

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: hydrate your hair

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:01:00 +0000

When the temperature drops, I can never seem to infuse enough moisture into my hair. Static, split ends, the frizzies all end up being everyday occurences. That's why I always look for ways to revitalize my hair. Pureology Colour Care Ambassador Natasha Sunshine offers some simple ways to keep your hair looking great all winter long.

1. Keep a mini bottle of Evian spray in your purse. A light blast of water can help with static or even hat head. Spritz a light mist all over your head from about 12" away, then smooth your flat palms over your hair.

2. Condition, condition, condition. Choose a daily conditioner with extra moisture during the driest months. Plus, a once a week conditioning masque for five minutes will give you that extra dose of hydration your hair needs. Try Pureology's Hydrate Conditioner and Hydrate HydraWhip Masque.

3. When it comes to styling, be sure to lock in moisture by using a leave-in conditioner and a deeply nourishing styler. Pureology's MiracleFiller is a leave in that will give you a supple dose of protein while hydrating the hair as well. Choose a wet/dry styler like Redken's Argan-6. This incredibly light oil goes on wet and melts over the hair in a protective shine while blowdrying. You can add a couple drops after your style is complete to get extra shine, nourishment and protection.

4. Stay away from too many hot tools. If you're going to blowdry, skip the iron and vice versa. If you opt for the flat or curling iron, go to bed with a wet head and style in the morning.

For more information visit www.Pureology.com.

BuyABoutique.com: A pretty great deal

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:49:00 +0000

We’ve all been there: We put together a great outfit and find ourselves looking for the perfect accessories to complete the look, at a price we can afford. No easy task…until now.

BuyABoutique.com (BAB) is the brainchild of founder Bill Mazhar, whose family business was located in the heart of Manhattan’s wholesale district. “I saw that there were numerous stores with great designs and good prices for accessories but they were only available to big retail shops who had to purchase a large quantity of accessories to even qualify for an order. Luckily, our store allowed both retail and wholesale purchases.” But there was still something missing. Mazhar realized that customers wanted experienced stylists to help them match their favorite accessories and they wanted discounts for purchasing items that matched perfectly together. In addition, they preferred trusted name brands when purchasing their accessories. By combining these factors, he established a new way to purchase jewelry and BAB was born.

BAB has a team of designers that curate jewelry from quality brand names and sells them in a bundled set which we call a ‘Mini Boutique’ at a steep discount. Mini Boutiques are brand name accessories composed of two or more items. BuyABoutique.com is different from other sites because it sells all of its products in bundles prepared by experienced stylists at prices that are heavily discounted. After all, who doesn’t love a bargain? The website provides customers with designer bundles at discounts over 50% off the retail price. Stylists pair up with name brands to offer styling advice and create very trendy mini-boutiques to sell on BAB for unbelievable discounts. Choose from a handful of must-have collections including: BOLD (statement pieces), EDGY (innovative jewelry made of wood, gun-metal, beads and animal prints), BOHEMIAN ( eclectic options) or SOPHISTICATE (a cultured, cosmopolitan look).

Some of our favorite bundles: The Swan Necklace and Bracelet from Elizabeth J’adore. The faux pearl necklace is an edgy alternative to the one your grandmother gave you for your high school graduation and pairs beautifully with the flower white leather bracelet (bundle price, $64). The Luxe Sophisticate features a necklace, bracelet and earrings crafted from a mixed medley of materials, including stunning crystal stones, glitzy rhinestone chains and an ultra-delicate floral motif made from minted gems (bundle price, $144).

The best part: At BuyABoutique.com, you get expert advice on how to wear the items you are purchasing. Let leading industry stylists help you put together a winning accessories look that will take you from work to day to night with ease. Go to www.BuyABoutique.com to choose your favorite jewels.

PRETTY GOOD ADVICE: be good to your skin

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:39:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again, when we make promises to ourselves that we will diet, exercise, and become more organized! This year, take your resolutions a step further and make a promise to yourself that you will make more of an effort to become “skin healthy.” After all, the skin on your face is your best accessory, not to mention the skin on your body is what holds you altogether. Here, Marina Peredo, MD, founder of Spatique Medical Spa in Smithtown, NY, offers her tried and true skincare tips.

Skin Rx: Make an appointment to see your dermatologist for a full body skin check, once a year (if there is no history of skin cancer.) If you have melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, you should see your dermatologist every 3 months, the first year and following years, every 6 months for life. This isn't something you should put off. It can save your life!

Treat It Right: Make an effort to see your esthetician on a monthly or bi-monthly basis and get a microdermabrasion or chemical peel to rid your face of dead skin cells and bring on a new, fresh, glowing looking face, regularly. If you cannot see your esthetician, try a home-made scrub with Honey and Sugar. The Honey smoothes the skin and has antibacterial properties and the sugar exfoliates. Follow-up with an egg white to tighten your skin.

Stock Up on Skincare Essentials: Invest in good skincare products that contain essential vitamins and anti-oxidants that can help reduce the negative effects of free radicals, stress and other elements that can impede healthy skin. Start off with a gentle cleanser for most days and an exfoliating cleanser for a couple of days in between to help get rid of dead skin cells (this will hold you over until you can make it to the medi-spa for your facial!) Then, try a good anti-aging serum that contains vitamins and antioxidants to help with cellular turnover and of course, a daily moisturizer that contains a sunscreen.

Don't Forget the Sunscreen: Sunscreen is needed every day, not only at the beach or vacations. That is why it is important to find a sunscreen that provides protection as well as hydration.

De-Clutter Your Stock: Throw away outdated skincare products. Make-up that hasn't been used in a while and outdated skincare products may be hosting bacteria and can cause breakouts. Open the medicine cabinet and empty your make-up bag. If you haven't touched that skincare product or piece of make-up in a few months it’s time to say goodbye. Your skin will thank you later.

Come Clean: Sleep without make-up. Not removing your make-up is one of the worst don'ts when it comes to your skincare routine. Make-up clogs pores and can leave your complexion looking dull. Wash, tone, and moisturize your skin every night before bed this year.

Personal Tip: *My newest discovery is Macha Tea, a type of Green Tea that has antioxidants that help fight off free radicals. Not only do the free radicals break down collagen that cause wrinkles and sagging skin, Macha can also help to suppress your appetite and give you more energy…helping achieve your weight-loss resolution!

For more info, amazing skincare products and great skincare tips, go to www.spatiquemedicalspa.com.

Update Your Fall Beauty Routine, as seen on WPIX Morning News with Beauty/Style writer Susan Redstone

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 03:51:00 +0000

When the season changes, what to do with your beauty routine? as it does? And how much is it going to cost? Do you know when to splurge and where to save? Beauty and Style writer Susan Redstone has the scoop on Fall's newest beauty items that replenish, replace, protect and refresh -- just in time for winter.

SPLURGE on FACE: You can't put a price on great-looking skin. Skinceuticals "Emollience" Rich Brazillian sea-algae moisturizer is great for cold weather, dry skin and skin at altitude that gets dry. $59 www.skinceuticals.com

SAVE on TEETH: White is right. Rembrandt Deeply White (2hr Whitening Kit) The trend to whiten is huge! Lip colors are DARK so you need WHITE TEETH! Mouth applicators that mold under hot water make them custom fit. Just four sessions of 20 minutes gets the job done. $25 at drugstores.

SPLURGE on NAILS: Way to nail it. "Dr.'s Remedy" polish. Formaldehyde-Free colors with fungus-busting Tea Tree oil. Invented by podiatrists and finger nail doctors. Safe if pregnant, safe for kids to use. $17 www.remedynails.com

SAVE on LIPS: Lip service. "Baby Lips" Repairing and tinted lip balms with active Asian botanticals by Maybelline New York, $3.99 at drugstores.

SAVE on BODY: Rx for smooth skin. Vaseline Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture Lotion. Not greasy, this triples moisture reserves and it's unscented. $5.99 at Drugstores.

keep this on file

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:09:00 +0000

Tired of your old sandpaper emory board wearing out after just a few uses? Welcome to the world of glass nail files.

I recently came across the Mont Bleu e-shop, the only place to buy genuine glass nail files. Made with the best traditions of Bohemian of Czech strained glass, and decorated with original Swarovski crystals, they are beautiful tools to keep on your vanity or in your makeup bag and, trust me, you'll wear yourself out before they wear themselves out.

I love the crystal decorated versions (shown here), which come in beautiful velvet cases and make great gifts just in time for the rapidly approaching holiday season. I am also a fan of the classic style, which comes in a variety of colors.

Mont Bleu also offers other tools and accessories to keep a girl looking and feeling pretty. Choose from a wide assortment of cosmetic mirrors, makeup brushes, hair brushes, hair pins, key rings, business card holders, letter openers, jewelry and so much more.

Visit www.design-glassware.com to place your order.

it's a wrap

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Scarves saturated the runway this fall, from Custo Barcelona's thick necklace styles to Missoni's mohair versions to Tommy Hilfiger's sportswear-inspired capes. Some other coverups that makes a style statement--and a worthy investment--this season: Fine quality scarves, wraps and shawls from ShawLux.

Made from the highest grades of cashmere, silk and wool, ShawLux represents a fusion of traditional luxury fabric, embroideries and craftsmanship from a diverse group of artists hailing from India and Kashmir.

Designer Annu Gyani founded the company by outsourcing the embellishments on her scarves to local artists for whom this work is their livelihood. The Artists practice a specialized weaving technique and embroidery form that is based on ancestral skills that are passed on from generation to generation.

In addition to the existing textiles and designs this fall marks the debut of the Digital Print arm of ShawLux; incorporating iconic landmarks, scenes from history and abstract imagery that will catch the eye of any passerby and have you looking fashionably chic.

Now you can even contribute to the race to cure breast cancer by purchasing one of these beautiful designs. ShawLux donates 30% of the purchases of its Kiss Me Lips scarf to the American Cancer Society--now that's a very good reason to go shopping.

ShawLux has already found a loyal following selling in top boutiques and department stores across the country and internationally including; Nordstrom stores nationwide, specialty boutiques across the USA, Canada, Switzerland, Japan and Germany. Prices range from $50 - $250 for the embellished scarves and capes and $125-$150.00 for the Debut Collection of Digital Prints.

Go to www.shawlux.com for more info.

winterize your beauty routine, reported by Susan Redstone as seen on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 01:20:00 +0000

Time to change your beauty routine and clear out your make up case. With seasonal trends and cooler weather fast approaching, it's time to toss out your summer colors, refresh your regime and protect your face for winter. Stylist Susan Redstone shows us how...

PREPPING FOR WINTER

1. TEETH WHITENING -- the trend to whiten is huge. Dentist whitenening costs a fortune, but this method costs only $7 a piece. No complex steps, or messy mouthguards to deal with. It will give you the confidence you need to wear winter's bold new lip colors. Rembrandt mouthwash and toothpaste, $7 each at Walgreens.

2. SPLURGE ON WINTER WEIGHT NIGHT CREAM Repair your skin with plant DNA technology, a new science trend for skin products. The high tech, doctor brand DNA EGF Renewal, www.dnaegfrenewal.com, costs $130. Save on body lotion too with Vaseline Intensive Rescue, only $4 at drugstores.

3. REPAIR LIPS WITH FLAVORED TINTED LIP BALM -- Say goodbye to chapped lips. Tinted balms protect, repair and tint lips leaving them looking and feeling gorgeous. By Maybelline New York, $4, at drugstores.

MAKE UP TRENDS

4. MATTE BOLD LIP COLORS 'Amsterdam' by NYX Cosmetics, www.nyxcosmetics.com, is a professional line for less, only $6. And it looks best when worn with a flawless face, thanks to NYX Cosmetics Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation by NYX Cosmetics, $9.50 At ULTA.

5. THE RETURN OF THE CAT EYE -- 'Walk the Line' liquid liner by Hard Candy does double duty with a lash growth serum, under $7, at Walmart. Wear it with flushed face Fox in a Box by Hard Candy (an ALLURE MAGAZINE winner), only $6, at Walmart or www.walmart.com.

6. GLITTER GLUE and GRAY FOR HALLOWEEN Try Showgirls Secret Glitter Glue (developed by Vegas showgirls to keep glitter on!) by Hard Candy, $5, and NYX 'advanced salon formula,' $6, at www.nyxcosmetics.com.

fashion week: Maybelline's fashion week retreat

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 04:01:00 +0000

One of the best things about fashion week is trying out all the great makeup out there and, better yet, having it personally applied. This way, you get all the latest and greatest application tips. At the Maybelline's Fashion Week Retreat at Robert Verdi's Luxe Lounge, my personal makeup artist gave me a choice of different looks that either played up porcelain skin, dramatic eyes and other features. Her makeup picks for me included: Fit Me! Foundation, Blush and Pressed Powder in Medium, great LAsh Mascara in Clear, Lasting Drama Gel Liner in Blackest Black and Color Sensation Lipcolor in Born With It. Armed with a customized face chart that I could follow at home and tons of great new products, I headed to my next fashion week event.

fashion week: Remington waves

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:24:00 +0000

Next stop on my fashion week makeover quest: the Remington style booth. Lucky fashionistas who stopped by got a complementary Ultimate Stylist tool, designed to straighten, create tight curls, loose curls or waves so you get four looks with one simple to you styling product. I decided to try another innovative tool the brand just launched: the Remington WRAP TO WAVES—a revolutionary dual-pronged styler that makes sexy beach waves easier than ever. With no clamp to get in the way, simply wrap each strand between the two barrels and glide right through hair for an effortlessly chic style that lasts from day to play. It was a refreshing look from my typical blow dry and easy to do since you just have to wrap the strands and voila! You're ready to go. Even the most challenged hair novices can pull this one off. Pick one up at Walmart stores or get more info at www.remingtonproducts.com.

fashion week: getting around town

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The best way to beat the traffic at New York Fashion Week? Hop into one of the specially designated pedicabs hired to take you from one amazing event to another. I took a pedicab from Lincoln Center to the Bing Lounge in the Mandarin Hotel. The space was a welcome retreat for fashion week attendees in need of a quick bit or a quiet place to file a story. And you could get a great latte there too. After meeting up with fellow journalists, we moved on to a slew of other great fashion week events.

winterize your beauty regimen, reported by Susan Redstone as seen on ABC 7 chicago, WLS-TV

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 11:24:00 +0000

Want to turn your summer beauty routine into a targeted fall/winter regimen? Stylist Susan Redstone shares her favorite must-have products...

REMBRANDT "Deeply White" collection Peroxide Mouthwash and Toothpaste. It gets out surface and deep stains. WHY YOU NEED IT Deep lipsticks are in style. So, teeth whitening is huge, so are costly dentist office procedures. But, instead, this is budget friendly, no messy mouthguards. Simply swtich out your toothpaste and rinse for these ones. $7 each at WALGREENS

BABY LIPS REPAIRING LIP BALM by MAYBELLINE NEW YORK -- the first collection of treatment lip products from this line, boosted with botanical cell renewal concentrates. WHY YOU NEED IT It repairs lips so they are visibily quenched, smoother, look moisturized and not rough and it comes in clear or tinted, with SPF 20. And they're fun to wear!$3.99 at DRUGSTORES NATIONWIDE

VASELINE INTENSIVE BODY RESCUE LOTION Save on this drugstore available body lotion. WHY YOU NEED IT It's fabulously moisturzing and not expensive, fragrance free and doesn’t compete with your perfumes. Buy this must-have body lotion and splurge on the face creams instead. $2.99

DNA RENEWAL NIGHT CREAM -- by DNA EFG RENEWAL Beverly Hills Doc Ron Moy is the leading expert in plant DNA skin science.WHY YOU NEED IT This is the fastest cell renewal you can buy on the market. Plant DNA helps generate new cells fast and repair summer's sun damage. And its RICH so you only need a little. $130 www.dnaegfrenewal.com

FALL COLORS by NYX COSMETICS Don't start fall without these warm, smoky shades. MERLOT, try a deep wine colored lipstick, $6. PUMP IT UP LIP PLUMPER, it feels tingly and adds great color, $6. SMOKEY LOOK KIT, create your own looks for only $13. WHY YOU NEED THEM On trend, professional quality make up at drugstore prices. Get more value for your money. www.nyxcosmetics.com

fashion week: the big red bus

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:00:00 +0000

It's hard to miss the big red bus stationed outside Lincoln Center for fashion week, waiting to makeup, polish and primp any fashionista who wants a pick-me-up during the shows. I was one of the first to get an appointment.

First, Theresa Ann, nail specialist from Red Door Spas at Woodbury Village painted my nails in the same shade bestowed upon the models behind the scenes at the Nicholas K fashion show--a silvery lavender hue.

"It looks great against any skin tone," says Theresa who was up at 4, did her own makeup on the LIRR, and was at the tents at 6 a.m. to prep models for the show.

Next, I got a complete makeover from makeup artist/image consultant Vivian Wynter, who gave me a subtly smoky eye, beautifully blended concealed skin, perfectly contoured cheeks and a glamorous nude lip.

I left the bus feeling more than ready to brave the endless days of fashion week that lay ahead.

For more info, go to reddoorspas.com.

fashion week: chic bohemian

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Looking for a hair style that's sophisticated but classic? Zahir Ziani, national creative director and master hair stylist for Red Door Spas offered this look for the models at the Nicholas K show. He left the hair straight and flowing with three small textured braids extending from the nape of the neck. For some models, headscarves were used to illustrate the natural, celestial movement of the sea.

"I was inspired by the chic bohemian look," says Ziani, "and the feeling of a woman walking in a desert full of beautiful clothes." He created three side braids woven close to the scalp and left the rest of the hair sleek and smooth. Try Kerastase Elixir Ultime for a longer-lasting smooth blowout and a drop of shine, plus a touch of spray to make the look last but keep it natural.

For more info, go to reddoorspas.com or mercedesbenzfashionweek.com.

fashion week: mediterranean blues

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:55:00 +0000

Good news for all of us green-eyes girls: To accentuate the greens, blues and charcoals of the Nicholas K spring collection, Lindsay Ebbins, national makeup director for Red Door Spas created soft makeup looks featuring accents of peach, coral and cream, Cheekss are refined with bronze and gold shades (Try Nars Orgasm Blush for a pinky-peach flush with subtle highlights and accents of golden shimmer).

To get the look, Ebbins used a ceramide plumping foundation, pure finish mineral powder to create a soft ethereal feeling. For a contoured effect, he applied bronzer to lids, lower lashline (using a wet shadow brush) and cheeks and vanilla shadow below the browbone and on the inner corners. A thickening mascara on eyes created very dense lashes and really made them pop and a slick of LipFix on lips kept them completely nude and matter for a downtown chic palette.

For more info, go to reddoorspas.com.

fashion week: men in makeup

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 03:26:00 +0000

We women don't always have it easy: think childbirth, monthly pms, bad hair days. But one thing we can be grateful for is the right to wear makeup to improve and enhance our looks. I always thought it unfair that, for the most part, it isn't acceptable for men to partake in these makeup touch-ups to help boost their self confidence. Except maybe for big-time rock stars or your local hairdresser, you never see a man with a makeup brush in hand.

According to Lindsay Ebbin, National Makeup Director for Red Door Spas, times are changing. He gave the models at the Nicholas K show a classic GQ look.

"It's a great natural base for all skin types," says Ebbin. "My goal is to clean up the look, moisturize the skin and accent the eyes."

He says many men who work at computers all day long need eye cream and are looking to use concealers so they don't look tired all the time. He used a light moisturizer to hydrate skin, a natural, lightweight base to even out their skin tone, and a touch of concealer under their eyes to revive them.

Says Ebbin, "They want healthy looking skin so they can embrace their inner self."

While I'm no more ready to share my makeup brushes with my husband than he is ready to borrow them, I hope those guys who dare to try it reap the benefits.

For more info on this look, go to nicholask.com or style.com.

FASHION WEEK SS '12

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:30:00 +0000

New York Fashion Week.

Let the shows begin!

Fashion's Night Out: Warren-Tricomi and Violent Lips

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 17:29:00 +0000

Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza presents an evening of fashion-forward beauty with Violent Lips. Guests will be treated to complimentary Violent Lip temporary lip tattoo application, makeup touchups and trend-setting fall hair how-tos courtesy of the Warren-Tricomi beauty experts.

I'm not one to promote violence but you've got to try these Violent Lip temporary tattoos, available at Lester's and now as part of a special event at Warren-Tricomi salon for Fashion's Night Out. They come in snakeskin (shown here), rainbow, leopard and fishnet--how can you resist? Pair that with an amazing hair style and makeup application from the Warren-Tricomi expert styling team. On the fence? I trusted them to do my wedding hair and makeup, and was thrilled!

Don't miss this exciting event and a major part of Fashion's Night Out. For more info, go to warrentricomi.com or violentlips.com.

summer makeup look, from celeb makeup artist Mally Roncal

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:34:00 +0000

Famous for creating gorgeous “look at me” eyes, style-maker and celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal (Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Mariska Hargitay are fans) brings you expert picks for sultry summer eyes – and cheeks, and lips!

Mally's advice for an easy beach-bound makeup look: Slather on the SPF everywhere! Curl your lashes and coat with waterproof mascara to avoid runaway eye makeup. Give definition to your face with a waterproof brow pencil. Peach is the new pink and that goes double for lip gloss…try Mally Beauty Lip Gloss in Be a Peach or Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Summer Peach. Don’t skip concealer or you’ll look tired. Mally Beauty Cancellation Conditioning Concealer SPF 25 is the perfect summertime option.

I tried Be a Peach and love it. It's the perfect beachy shade in a super-smoothing texture. I have yet to leave home without it this summer.

Molly also recommends using VISINE® Soothing Wipes as a great product to use at the end of the day. Before you wash your face, gently remove eye makeup (even stubborn waterproof mascara!) with VISINE® Soothing Wipes. Store them in the fridge for an extra-cool, refreshing treat. They really revive tired eyes and feel refreshing after a long day outdoors. They're are also great to stash in your bag for all your summer weekend getaways.

For more info on Molly's beauty looks, go to www.visine.com.

"step into summer" contest, enter today!

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:51:00 +0000

There's nothing worse than heading into summer with feet that are less than worthy of showing off. Thanks to Kiss Products, the leader in artificial nail technology, and lovemyshoes.com, you can enter the “Step into Summer” Sweepstakes and give your feet the TLC they deserve. Each winner will receive the colorful beach bag shown here, a Kiss branded beach towel, an assortment of Kiss toenail and at-home pedicure tools, plus a pair of Havaiana Sandals from lovemyshoes.com.

To Enter:

• Entrants must “Like” the Kiss Nails facebook page, submit name, address & email to the contest form

• Facebook fans will have 4 chances to enter on 6/21, 6/28, 7/5 & 7/12 only. One winner will be selected from each day’s entries using a third party random draw service.

To enter, visit: Facebook.com/kissnails & click on “Kiss Freebies”.

summer skin: who wears short shorts?

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:32:00 +0000

Tiny skirts, mini dresses and short shorts mean summer is here. But before you head outside to bare all, be sure your skin is smooth, silky and ready to show off. The Remington Smooth & Silky collection comes to the rescue with a brand new shaver that gets the job done (and, btw, looks great on your bathroom countertop).

The details: Dual foils for closer skin contact, a revolutionary hypoallergenic cutting system to combat irritation, and Curve Flex Technology – a contour following trimmer system with a protective guard that effectively trims long hairs and reduces skin irritation – makes these new shavers the bare necessities for a flawless, beach-ready body. All I know is just one shave leaves your legs looking and feeling silky smooth.

There are different options to suit your shaving style: Try the Battery-Operated Shaver ($14.99), the Rechargeable Electric Shaver ($19.99) or the Smooth-Trim Electric Shaver ($39.99). Remington products are available at Walmart and at www.remingtonproducts.com.

happy father's day: gift baskets for guys

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:15:00 +0000

happy father's day: on the move

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 02:35:00 +0000

If the guy in your life is in and out of town, he's probably a pro at packing light. Get him the perfect gift for the Provencal Gentleman – L’Occitane Gentleman of Provence Set ($45). These luxe L’Occitane products offer a rich fragrance full of the rugged and mysterious scents of Provence. The set includes the L’Occitane Shaving Gel, After Shave Balm and Shea Milk Soap. To purchase it as a gift, go to www.loccitane.com.

expert scoop: Le Metier de Beaute luxury cosmetics

noreply@blogger.com (Karen W Brooks) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:01:00 +0000

Sure, you can buy as much drugstore brand makeup as you want...but sometimes you want to splurge on something really special. Le Metier De Beaute products use advanced technology and luxurious formulations to make you look and feel beautiful. Here, International Makeup Artist Ivan Castro gives us the scoop behind the line...

Prettyisprettydoes: What's was the inspiration for Le Metier De Beaute?

Ivan Castro: "The inspiration behind Le Metier De Beaute lies in the passion which goes into crafting the most incredible cosmetics that can be formulated."

PIPD: What's something special in the line that you won't find anywhere else?

IC: "Le Metier De Beaute offers a line of professional quality, travel sized make up brushes that are PETA Approved."

PIPD: Who is the Le Metier De Beaute customer?

IC: "Le Metier De Beaute attracts women who truly care about luxury cosmetics that are not only beautiful but also life changing."

PIPD: How does new technology come into play:

IC: "Le Metier De Beaute is all about fusing high-quality skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol with richly pigmented, high performing luxurious textures."

PIPD: Why are women so obsessed with luxury cosmetics?

IC: "Women are returning to luxury because they now, more than ever before, appreciate the value of a fantastic product."

PIPD: What's your favorite Le Metier De Beaute product?

IC: "My favorite product is Peau Vierge Anti-Age Tinted Moisturizing SPF17 because it instantly delivers a radiant finish and combats redness on contact."

For more info on Le Metier de Beaute products, go to www.metierbeaute.com.