Beauty Rules Homecoming 2010

This weekend I had the pleasure of prepping six fab girls for their first ever EGR Homecoming Dance, and after hearing Bobbi Brown say that her Beauty Rules Palette would work on every skin tone I decided I would put it to the test.

First, the palette is so pretty! In addition to wearing the products myself, I used them to enhance the beauty of every single girl that graced my makeup chair. That said, it's not an all-inclusive makeup kit. The products are versatile but if this is a teens first introduction to colour, it's missing a few key items in my humble opinion - a shimmer champagne shadow to be worn alone or used as a highlight, a brown liner, and mascara.

Claire was first for makeup

CJ, Nicole, Zoe, Emily, and Sophie - - - - 

I think the book and palette are a great start, but there needs to be more instruction available for teens. Without knowing where to apply these colours, how to blend, etc. this palette has the potential to go very wrong, very quickly. All of these girls seemed a bit terrified of makeup because they didn't want to look overly done up. I totally get it! They're probably used to seeing girls at school every day with way too much colour, liner, or both. What they don't realize is that makeup is supposed to be 1) fun and 2) used to enhance your natural beauty not taken to extremes. So, for all of my homecoming beauties and anyone else who struggles with where to begin, I'll share my top tips over the next several days ... And please send your questions my way if you have them.

CJ, Nicole, Zoe, Emily, Sophie, and Claire thanks for letting me be a part of your special night!
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Beauty By Candlelight Day 1

Fall is typically my favorite time of year, but the crazy storms that rolled through Tuesday night left me sans electricity for days. While I’m all for the benefits that soft candlelight can provide, this beauty girl was never meant to live in the dark!

There were many “technical” challenges, like no Internet and trying to keep my computer and cell phone charged, but there were also beauty challenges to be tackled. Rather than retreating to yoga pants and a ponytail, I put some products to the test to see if they could keep me looking fashionable with limited light and no styling tools. 

Now that I’m back on the grid, here are my favorite finds from Day 1.

• Every makeup bag should be stocked with tinted moisturizer. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is like the Triple Crown of foundation – moisturizing, providing sun protection, and balancing my complexion in a matter of seconds. I even got a compliment on my glowing skin!

• Take advantage of double-duty beauty products. I’ve had a Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for a while now but tend to reach for my same powder blush on most days. Since the goal was simplicity, this product was ideal. I applied Pink Truffle on the apples of my cheeks and lips with my fingers. I think this is the easiest way to apply cream-based colors because the heat from your hands helps warm the product so it blends beautifully. It instantly added the perfect pop of color and I only had to carry one product out of the house with me.

• Never underestimate the value of a great haircut. Without a blow dryer or flatiron I was afraid my naturally curly hair was destined to turn to frizz. Thanks to a terrific cut and the messy, wavy hairstyles that are so hot right now I was able to wash and go. Still, these locks can’t wait to get back to the fabulous styling power of my T3.

More to come...

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Aritzia Ruway

A few years ago I was wandering around in Chicago and stumbled upon Aritzia. Now it's a "must shop" stop every time I'm in the city. I always find great designers and unexpected pieces that have timeless style. In fact, my oversize taupe sweater/coat we affectionately refer to as "the blanket sweater" always travels with me and ended up being a perfect accessory for the first football game of the season. Enjoy their runway show and be sure to stop in a store if you every have the chance.



Artizia FW 2010 Runway from Aritzia on Vimeo.

Cheers,
t

It's Emmy time, which can only mean one thing...

Bringing back the classics

Thank you InStyle. Get the Aug2010 issue for all the trends!

I realize we're in the middle of summer, but in the retail world it's all about fall. Since I read at least a dozen mags a month it's inevitable that I stumble across a few items I'd love to own, and as I perused the latest trends in InStyle I was smitten with #6 - Mismatch Your Prints. They show a gorgeous Etro pencil skirt paired with the a sweet and sexy polka dot blouse from L.L. Bean.

You can guess what happened next ... My search for the perfect fall blouse started. Unfortunately I didn't have any luck on the L.L. Bean site, but like a little gift from the US Postal Service I received the L.L. Bean Signature Catalog in my mail! Known for their unbelievable quality, duck boots, and canvas totes, now they're adding a line of classic clothing and accessories that are surprising beautiful and sensibly priced. A few of my favorites for right now and into the fall:

• Farnsworth Lawn Dress - so Nantucket-chic
• Chambray Shirt Dress - only $39.50
• Wool Tartan Pants - fall fabulous
• Slate Tall Boots - the perfect shade to gray

Check it out and let me know what you think! With some sassy styling and forward thinking they may just give J. Crew a run for their money...

Cheers!
t

Colour obsession

Maybe it's the fact that dark nail polish has reigned supreme or my secret love for all things preppy ... I'm not sure, but what I do know is that essie has me falling back in love with color! I always look for new nail colors at Smooch but this time I was totally caught off guard by how much I wanted a pedi and paint job with kelly green polish.  What!?!?

Essie's Pretty Edgy is like the perfect blend of punk prep for nails. It's the beauty version of Libertine's navy duffel with embroidered whales and skull and crossbones happily coexisting on the same bag. Yep, same thing now in a polish. And even if that's not your thing, who doesn't love kelly green?

I snatched up the last bottle and was beauty tipsy until I saw the cashiers perfectly stunning robin's egg blue polish. Yes, I do tend to have a short attention span when it comes to beauty and all things sparkly! As you can imagine, when I found out the shade Turquoise & Caicos wasn't available, I had to have it. My determination has paid off and my toes now make me beam every time I look down. Amazing how a little bit of beauty can lift your spirit!


Colour me happy!
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Protect Your Pout with Love Lisa from Too Faced!

In my book sun protection should be an every day event, which is why I LOVE almost any product with SPF built right in. I'm guessing the same could be said for Too Faced founder Jerrod Blandino. To honor his sister Lisa's battle against Stage 4 Melanoma he created Love Lisa Luxury Lip Balm Sunscreen.

For starters, it's the cutest lip balm EVER and the little Lisa-inspired bauble on top makes it so easy to find in your handbag! With orange essential oils to sooth and SPF 15 to fight off the sun's damaging rays, this should quickly become a summertime staple. Pick up multiples at Sephora and know that a portion of every sale is not only protecting your sassy lil smile, it's also helping to fund the Too Faced Love Lisa Melanoma Research Foundation. 

Show your love!

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Haircuts for Your Hometown

You have until 7PM tonight to check out "Haircuts for Your Hometown" hosted by eco-chic Salon Re: located on Fulton in Grand Rapids. In an effort to support the local Red Cross, the talented stylists will be offering haircuts for a minimum $10 donation. All the proceeds raised will go to helping those in need in your local community.

Here are Joy and Amanda talking about the event on WZZM13 salon re: haircuts for hometown

Give back and look great!
t

Obagi and Ellen

Obagi has been a coveted skin care line for quite some time now, and it's getting major kudos today on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Tune in to learn more about their Nu-Derm Skin Care System and how it works to give skin a smooth, even appearance. The only bad part, Obagi products are only available through a physicians office. Check their website for locations near you!

Oh, and then be sure to catch Ellen tomorrow as she makes her big entrance on American Idol!

Cheers,
t

Only 16 hours left to shop...

Last night Kathy Rose was named the winner of Bravo TV's Launch My Line. She's amazing and so are her clothes! Her line is available exclusively on Rue La La for the next 16 hours and here's your invite to shop 

Hurry! These clothes are going fast and guaranteed to make you look fabulous.

Shop on!
t

A beauty break

It just feels wrong to talk beauty products after such a tragic week, so I hope you'll indulge me with one post about the beauty of the human spirit. The images of sadness and destruction in Haiti cannot be avoided. And while I can't begin to understand how devastating it would be to experience such grief and loss, I'm inspired by how many people are taking action to help. Even in the face of a recession at home, so many have been able to find it in their hearts to give, and that is beautiful. While the 72 hour period has passed when they expect to find living survivors, I'm hopeful that the spirit of the Haitian people is much stronger than any of us can possibly imagine. After living is such poverty for so long and with so little, I believe and pray that there will prove to be miracle after miracle, survivor after survivor. A few ways to give:

• txt "HAITI" to 90999 - a $10 donation will be made to the American Red Cross and the charge will simply be added to your phone bill.
• Drop your change, a dollar, anything into the Red Salvation Army buckets that are usually reserved for around the holidays. They're back out in many locations.
• In Grand Rapids, check out raysofhopeforhaiti.com I'll be helping to package up goods to send out to Haiti tomorrow. 
• Check the website for your local TV stations. They will have donation drop offs posted.

Thank you,
t

Start 2010 with a brighter outlook and complexion

Happy New Year beauties! I for one am beyond thrilled to move forward into 2010 and leave all the craziness of 2009 in the past where it belongs. While I'm not big on resolutions, I'm certainly planning to bring you more beauty and fashion buzz more often this year.

First things first, if the cold weather has your skin feeling a little less than perfect, look no further than your local drug store for a thrifty solution - Neutrogena 5 Minute Facial. I personally love all of the products I've tried in the new Ageless Restoratives line but the 5 Minute Facial is FANTASTIC! It uses an enzyme that works with the skin's natural pH to give you a gorgeous, glowing complexion. And it's clinically proven to give you results equal to a 20-35% glycolic peel without ever having to leave home. Give it a try and if nothing else resolve to absolutely LOVE our look this year!

You're amazing!
t

A hot night of fashion and beauty in NYC!

If you're in NYC and have plans tonight, cancel them, because Sue DeVitt and Tracy Reese are teaming up for a fabulous evening of fashion and beauty. Two of my favorites! Call to schedule an appointment for a Sue DeVitt makeup consultation and then shop while you wait with an exclusive 25% discount on Tracy Reese designs. Either way, you're bound to leave looking even more beautiful than you did when you walked through the door!

Have fun!
t

Lush luxuries for the naughty and the nice!

If you're still working on your holiday shopping, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics has something for everyone on your list. Whether they've been naughty or nice, these gifts let them indulge in a bit of luxury while getting your holiday message across without having to say a word! And most of these lovelies are under $20.

For the bah humbugs, gift the lump-of-coal-shaped Want to Believe Bath Melt. It's fennel and starflower ingredients will help promote a more peaceful state of mind just in time for the new year.

To mend a rocky relationship try a peace offering, like Olive Branch Shower Gel.

For the gossip girl, drama queen, diva ... None of Your Beeswax Lip Balm will keep her lips in tip top shape for spreading holiday cheer or hanging out under the mistletoe.

To give a gift that gives back, turn to Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion. 100% of the proceeds from each sale will be give to charities that support animal rights, environmental protection, and humanitarian concerns.

For anyone on my list and probably yours too, Rehab Shampoo ... Need I say more?!?

And for the surprise gifter, hostess, or last minute holiday party, Lush offers eight pre-wrapped gifts for $20 so you're prepared for every situation.

Shop on and spread some holiday cheer!
t



 

Tis the season to be STYL'D by MTV!

The tricks may have ended with Halloween but November is already promising to be a month full of treats - an extra hour of sleep, some much needed sunshine, and the premiere of MTV's new show STYL'D! If you haven't heard, this full-fashion reality show follows four aspiring stylists all vying for one position at the Margaret Maldonado Agency.

The guys are hot, the girls fab, and of course there will be drama, divas, and killer clothing galore. The real beauty for me is following the senior stylist icons - Jen Rade (LOVE!), Eric Archibald, and Julie Weiss. They're three of the most amazing stylists to ever hit the music and celebrity scene, and STYL'D gives a sneak peek into the genius behind their work.

It's going to be scandalous and I can't wait to watch! Here's a sneak peek at tonight's episode with Kim Kardashian. One more thing - let me know which of the cast members you'd like me to interview to keep bringing you the latest behind-the-scenes scoop.

Cheers!
t

Giving back has never looked so gorgeous!

BORBA Skin Care is helping women to look gorgeous and support Breast Cancer research with their Lovely Lip Tint. While the sheer pink shade is lovely and would compliment any skin tone, I think I may have actually squealed with excitement when I read that this gloss contains cashmere fiber. Finally, cashmere for your lips! Isn't it fabulous!?!

Every time you gloss it on is like pampering your pout. Your lips feel soft, smooth, and maybe a little indulgent, like when you slip into your favorite cashmere sweater. And I love that BORBA products are actually good enough to eat, since it's said that we each eat several pounds of lip color every year - ewwwwhhh. Honestly, their products are created to support healthy skin from the inside out, so they include vitamins, anti-oxidants, and other skin-loving ingredients. Of course the best part is that 10% of the purchase price is donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Pucker up ladies!
t

Anna Sui for Target

I know many people are sad to see summer slipping away but I for one can't wait for fall. This change in season means that I can leave my limping and less than beautiful summer in the past and move on to bigger and better things - like fall fashion! I couldn't be more excited about Anna Sui's new collection for Target. Not only is she an amazing designer, but her collection was inspired by the trendsetting style of Gossip Girls. MEOW! It's planned to be in stores mid-September, so mark your calendars because I'm sure her pieces are going to fly out the door.

Back to being tipsy!
t

My Summer Staple - Xtreme Lashes

Sometimes the most unexpected event can turn a beauty indulgence into an absolute "must-have". That's what I discovered about my Xtreme Lash Extensions when a terrible spill landed me in the ER with a broken femur! I can honestly say that from a health standpoint I've been extremely fortunate, and until May 19 I'd never been inside an ambulance or whisked into the ER. The whole thing was absolutely tragic.

And when the doctor told me that they'd be putting my leg in traction until surgery the following day, beauty was the last thing on my mind. Little did I know that as I drifted off to sleep, my lashes became a topic of conversation. As I was waking from a fog of anasthesia two nurses leaned over and asked, "How do you get your lashes to look like that?" Ha! Even in the worst of circumstances I guess long, flirty lashes can become the center of attention. After spending a week in the hospital and being asked about my lashes daily, I've decided that lash extensions are an investment that's well worth the cost! So beauties, call your local spa and see if they offer lash extensions. Not only will you love the compliments, but you won't have to worry about wearing mascara all summer long!

While I spend the rest of the sultry summer months trying to recover so I can once again wear heels...I plan to share every other low- or no-maintenance beauty trick and product I can get my hands on! It's good to be back.

Cheers,
t

Aveeno's FREE Earth Day Give Away

Happy Earth Day beauties! You know whenever beauty and fashion come together I can't help but get excited, and here's one fab give away I wanted to pass along. In honor of Earth Day, Aveeno asked FIT students to design the print for a limited-edition eco-chic bag. The winning design was created by Jeff Tsui, a name I'm sure we'll hear about for years to come! It's whimsical, one-of-a-kind, and only available to the first 1,000 people who log-on to aveeno.com/jubilance at 12PM (Eastern Time) today!

Even better, you won't just score a green tote, you'll receive a sample of the new Aveeno Nourish + Hair Care Collection and for every bag given away Aveeno will make a $10 donation to Global Green USA. Log-on, support a great cause, and then show the world just how stylish green can be as you strut around town with your "exclusive" bag!

Be beautiful,
t

FitFlop Fabulous Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall!

Marcia Kilgore. I've confessed my love for her complete genius in the past, but she never stops amazing me. First there was Bliss, then Soap & Glory, then FitFlops. I talked about these super-shapers last summer but had to put them into hybernation when the snow started to fly. Just as I'm ready to break them out again, I find that genius never stops! The Billow is like part Ugg, part FitFlop, and 100% perfection when it comes to transitioning between the seasons. So yes, technically it's spring, but it's still a little to brisk to be wearing full-on sandals, not that a lot of pepole aren't trying. I highly recommend investing in a pair while you're prepping for sunnier days ahead. Your feet will thank you and your toned backside won't be complaining either!

Walk on!
t