Review: Peter Thomas Roth Clinical Skincare

PETER THOMAS ROTH:

CUCUMBER DE-TOX DE-PUFFING EYE-CUBES & 

IRISH MOOR MUD PURIFYING BLACK MASK

I can't say this enough without sounding like a broken record (too late) but skincare is very important to me! I'm not a fan of foundation or concealers, so my skin has to look its best at all times. It gives me great pleasure to review two amazing products from Peter Thomas Roth: Cucumber De-Tox™ De-Puffing Eye-Cubes™ ($50) and Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask ($58), both available at Sephora & Sephora.com. 

Snow Food - Homemade Chili

"BLIZZARD 2015" - JUNO

EV'S HOMEMADE CHILI & CORNBREAD

Okay, so we dodged a major bullet in NYC with the #Blizzardof2015 aka JUNO, but I don't hear anyone with the day off from school or work complaining? Just to see NYC so quiet is a welcoming change of pace. Since I can't go snowboarding (I can do without crashing into trees at high speeds, no tree hugging allowed) a day off from work, being all cozy is perfectly okay with me. I love to write but one other thing that I do very well is cook: I LOVE TO COOK (and eat, foodie duh) and this winter weather gives me a chance to indulge in my favorite combo: homemade chili and cornbread (and yes, I made that!) Here is a quick and very easy recipe. If you mess it up, I may have to rethink our friendship...

Earlier in the day, I trekked to Midtown for work, all snug looking like a Care Bear but I already had one thing in mind as soon as I got out early: make my homemade chili and cornbread. Beauty can take a backseat for a day, it's time to hunker down and relax. 

NEW VO5 Hair & Body Oil

NEW FROM ALBERTO VO5

SHINE, GLOW & GO BEAUTY OIL

FOR BODY & HAIR

When I heard that Alberto VO5 was launching a beauty oil for both hair and body, I was not only excited, but on board and ready to dive in and test drive it. Introducing Alberto VO5 Shine, Glow & Go Beauty Oil ($4.49 - $4.99 5.9 fl. oz. - available at Walgreens.) It's not a secret that both skin and hair care are extremely important to me, or that I am fascinated by face oils (great skin is always in), so to have a product that is so versatile, than it can hydrate both my body and hair without clogging my pores or causing me face to break out, is beyond amazing!

INTRODUCING: M∙A∙C Isabel & Ruben Toledo

 M∙A∙C ISABEL & RUBEN TOLEDO 

COLLECTION #MACToledos

Fashion’s most romantic couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, are renowned for their award-winning and imaginative work in fashion design and illustration. This unique collaboration with M·A·C pairs Isabel’s sensational penchant for colour with Ruben’s vibrant energy in a palette of hues designed to sculpt, paint and transform the face. Specially designed white packaging features Ruben’s illustrations, an array of graphic lines and red-lipped faces brought to life with his one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

Available online at maccosmetics.com January 29th
and in-store February 5, 2015 through April 2, 2015

Dove #LoveYourCurlsCampaign

DOVE LAUNCHES LOVE YOUR CURLS 

CAMPAIGN ENCOURAGING CURL CONFIDENCE

Early this morning Dove kicked off their #LoveYourCurls campaign during the 8:00 am hour of the TODAY show with a powerful short film. I am beyond proud to be able to participate in this campaign with my loves at Dove, a well-kept secret for many weeks. This film brought me to tears, as the little girls in the video reminded me of myself during my big(ger) hair days as a child, running and hiding from a mother with a heavy hand, weilding a large comb, determined to "comb out the kinks" in order to braid my hair just so that I looked "presentable." I hated my hair growing up as everything hair-wise felt like an inconvenience to me (or anyone who dared to "tame my mane!") This is why I love that Dove is helping to change that with this amazing campaign, by encouraging anyone with curls to embrace it and see it for what it truly is - BEAUTY! 

I don't let anyone touch my hair (it's not a petting zoo) unless it's a little girl (or boy) who is fascinated by my curls. They all pull it to see it coil up, followed by a "boing" sound effect lol. I do this because it shows them that curls are beautiful, that I love them and so should they. I wouldn't be the "Curl~Gurl" if I didn't, would I? Here is the video from Dove's Love Your Curls campaign. I'm sure many of you can and will relate to these beautiful little curl~friends (I did):  

Show us how you #LoveYourCurls and help inspire the next generation.

• Visit Dove.com
• View/share video
• Share your story via Dove.com/LoveYourCurls
• Show you #LoveYourCurls on Twitter and Facebook

~Evelyn Lugo

Skin care: Phyto-C Velvet Gel & B5 Gel

REPAIR AND RESTORE YOUR SKIN
WITH PHYTO-C VELVET & B5 GEL

Regardless of your age, male or female, everyone desires healthy, glowing skin - healthy skin is always in! One of the biggest complaints I hear from friends and readers is on the condition of their skin, followed by requests for tips on how they can improve it. My answer is always the same: I take great care of my skin and I choose not to wear foundation or concealer (ever), I drink two gallons of water daily (seriously, I do) and get plenty of sleep (sometimes too much, depends who you ask.) I find that my skin looks better now, than it did in my teen years. I have nothing to hide, I'm 37 years young! 

No make-up: no muss, no fuss

It's not always easy, especially during the cold winter season when extra care is required to prevent dryness and ensure that my skin looks its best. Nourishing with vitamins is also important, so that's why Phyto-C can help to balance it back and revive skin with two treatment gels for all skin types: Velvet Gel and B5 Gel. These two amazing gels leave skin feeling softer, healthier and younger. I am a fan of face oils and gels and to answer your other question: NO, you will not break out by using face oils.

Carmex Lip Balm

LOVE YOUR LIPS:

CARMEX® LIP BALM

Pucker up buttercups: daily care for your lips should be right along with skincare as the skin on your lips are very thin and require lots of TLC (care for them as you would your eyes.) My lips are very sensitive and the past few months it seems that any allergic reaction to who knows what - blows them up bigger than what they are. Boy did the split and crack; they swell up and no one wants to see chapped lips (I sure don't!) Luckily, my Carmex reps came to my rescue with an assortment of lip goodies when my lips swelled so bad, that I had to miss out on a few events.

I love Carmex ($1.59 - retailers nationwide) for everyday use to hydrate, heal and protect my lips; I'm a fan of the jar formula over 20 years especially during the rough cold season. Carmex has worked to protect lips for over 77 years and now has a lineup in an assortment of flavors (regular, vanilla, pomegranate, cherry and strawberry) and in tubes, jars, stick and click sticks (check out their limited edition designs, which I also love, here.) I love the jars during the summer at the beach; I throw it right into my beach cooler to soothe and cool my lips after sun exposure - and Carmex now offers formulas with sun protection!

2 days post healing - cracked and chapped lower inner lip

Carmex original in jar, strawberry click stick and cherry tube

NYFW: Recap Betsey Johnson SS'15

FLASHBACK: FASHION WEEK 

BETSEY JOHNSON SS'15

BEAUTY BY: KRYOLAN PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP, 

SEXY HAIR & MORGAN TAYLOR NAILS

**Photo credits Evelyn Lugo, 

except final slide show "runway looks" by Getty Images**

Betsey Johnson - adore her!

September 10, 2014 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: I had a the best time at Betsey Johnson's Spring/Summer 2015 fashion show in Lincoln Center. Inspired by weddings and promoting marriage equality, the collection consisted of gorgeous and theatrical bridal dresses. The theme was wedding/prenup and talk about a party - no seriously, it was an all-out celebration! Complete with DJ's, wedding cupcakes by Baked by Melissa, balloons, dancing, Queens Willam Belli and Sharon Needles, Real Housewives from Beverly Hills - Camille Grammer, Atlanta - Cynthia Bailey and New York - Kristen Taekman. I mingled backstage with beauty teams: Kryolan Makeup, Sexy Hair and Morgan Taylor, as they got the gals dolled up and ready for the show. Of course I took tons of pictures, but then again, when don't I? (also, I became ONE with the cupcakes.. just saying, they're tiny!)

Queen Willam Belli (no extra "i") with Betsey Johnson

Will ROCKS, always a pleasure running into her!

RHOBH Camille Grammer was fab & fierce 

CONTEST: Sail Across the Sun Cruise with Alex and Ani

WIN AN ALL EXPENSE PAID CRUISE 

WITH ALEX AND ANI

Calling all Alex and Ani lovers: Here is a fun sweepstakes that Alex and Ani launched today. Two lucky winners to win an all-expense paid trip for the Sail Across the Sun Cruise, a long weekend getaway music festival cruise leaving from Miami to Key West to Great Stirrup Kay in the Bahamas February 13-17. Performers include Ingrid Michaelson, Train, A Great Big World, and more. Check out the entire cruise lineup here.

Winter Hair: Hydrating Hair Care Treatments

NEUTROGENA TRIPLE REPAIR LEAVE-IN TREATMENT 

TRISSOLA CHIA OIL/MASK, OMNI POTENT DUOSITY

Let's face it, "it's all about the hair" and the winter is rough, not just because of the bitter cold but for the havoc it causes on your hair (for those who care.) Believe it or not, there are days during the winter when my hair feels more fried, than it does during all those summer weekends I spend at the beach! Hydrating your locks during the cold weather is very important and I learned that regardless how hard I try, my hair needs hydrating help - and wearing a hat and scarf sure doesn't help. Here are four fabulous hair treatments tested and approved by me over a four month period through rain, sun, heat and the cold: Neutrogena Professional Triple Repair Fortifying Leave-In Treatment, Trissola Intense Hair Mask, Trissola Chia Smoothing Oil and OMNI Potent Duosity Double Whipped Repairing Treatment.

HAIR: 72nd Golden Globe Awards - BIRCHBOX

EMILY BLUNT & AMY ADAMS BIRCHBOX 
BEAUTY HAIR LOOKS FROM STYLIST LAINI REEVES

Here are some behind the scenes hair inspiration/process, by celebrity hair stylist Laini Reeves who worked with EMILY BLUNT and AMY ADAMS to create their Golden Globes look. Laini used products exclusively from beauty and grooming e-commerce company Birchbox. Let's take a look:

HAIR: 72nd Golden Globe Awards - REDKEN/Cutler

72nd GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS INSPIRED HAIR 

LOOKS WITH REDKEN/CUTLER STYLIST JENNY BALDING

Last nights 72nd Golden Globe Award recognized excellence in film and television but many of us (if not everyone) tune in before the show, to catch the red carpet fashion and hair looks. REDKEN/Cutler Stylist Jenny Balding was on hand to share the hair looks she found the most excellent & inspiring. 

SIENNA MILLER

"Sienna's hair is a fantastic version of a short bob – it's perfectly disheveled and textured haircut." 

If you're looking for Sienna's style, start with your hair cut into a mid-length bob to allow movement (if it's cut too short it won't have enough versatility). If you choose to create waves as did Sienna Miller did:

• Start by blow drying with volume throughout, using a medium sized curling iron to create a bend from the mid-length to the ends of the hair
• Finish by using Redken fashion waves 07 sea salt spray to create the perfectly disheveled edge. Mist all over whilst running your hands throughout.

LORDE

"Lorde's sleek low ponytail is a classic style that works on the red carpet and in everyday life.  Even if you have long very curly hair, you can still achieve this look with a little know how."

• Blow dry smooth and straight by using Redken align 12 protective smoothing lotion
• Create a deep side part to whichever side suits your face shape best
• Sweep into low ponytail at the nape
• Use a straightening iron to create a smooth sleek finish
• Mist Redken Diamond Oil High Shine Airy Mist to enhance dull ,fine textured hair for the ultimate sleek finish

NYFW: ATHLETA S'15 Backstage Beauty

ALTERNA HAIRCARE, TEMPTU, PRITI NYC

ATHLETA

NYFW SPRING 2015

CONCEPT (September 4, 2012 - Backstage Beauty ATHLETA S'15) 

For the Crush of Adrenaline presentation, Athleta channeled the strong, sporty woman with a high fashion edge. Key makeup artist, Talia Shobrook, chose a palette of feminine yet powerful colors to showcase the edgy performance. “The look was a strong woman - someone who isn’t scared to show too much skin”, Talia explained. “For me, it’s a new thing – I’m calling it ‘Flawless Fun’. Fitness is such a huge part of our lives today, and flawless, healthy looking skin is always the look I strive for. Even with a bold pop of color, the focus is always on a flawless complexion that exudes health”.

Amopé Pedi Perfect

FLAWLESS FEET WITH 

AMOPÉ PEDI PERFECT

Your feet should always look their best, all year round (those of you who live where the seasons change, that does not mean summer time only!) I am very picky about my feet and scrub them daily in the shower, just to prevent rough skin and it's worked pretty well for me. My biggest pet peeve, is seeing anyone with rough, calloused feet that look as if they were used as gardening tools (barf!) This is why Amopé Pedi Perfect (SRP $39.99 - $49.99) is my new best friend. When reps reached out last month I couldn't wait to test Amopé, especially after seeing the commercials (but the feet featured on there - oh my goodness!) A few minutes once a week (in my case) and my feet are baby soft in an instant - no scrubbing required. 

This revolutionary electronic foot file helps remove rough hard skin revealing soft, beautiful feet effortlessly. Using a specially designed Micralumina roller head, the file exfoliates with a gentle and safe rotating action. A must-have product for beauty lovers as it helps soften and renew dry calloused feet when they need some extra TLC, and all in the comfort of your own home! Amopé Pedi Perfect comes ready to use with 4 AA batteries. Replacement foot file rollers are sold separately in 2-count refill packs ($17.99.)

2015 Nail Care Cutex® Countdown

 FIVE NAIL RESOLUTIONS FOR 2015 FROM CUTEX®

With the holidays finally over, it's time to care for your nails. I'm sure you had your share of glitter nail polish and themed designs (I rocked it hard for Thanksgiving, Christmas AND New Years) so much needed TLC is in order. Cutex®, the leading provider in nail care products since 1911, has prepared five great resolutions for every nail polish wearer:

Winter Skincare: Elizabeth Arden

BRACE YOUR FACE & SKIN THIS WICKED WINTER: 

ELIZABETH ARDEN EIGHT-HOUR CREAM

By now I hope you prepared yourself and your skin for impact from this bitter blast of winter. It's already bad enough that the sun is setting by 4:30 pm (so depressing) but when your face and skin get beaten up harsh winds, leaving it dry, chapped and cracked - you must be ready and pull out the big guns! I absolutely love Elizabeth Arden's Eight-Hour Cream and use it year-round, not just during the wicked winter. It's perfect for hands, face and lips. Heck, I even use on my hair to tame a few fly-away's and frizz.

PREVIEW: Alex and Ani Valentines Day

NEW ALEX AND ANI FOR VALENTINES DAY: 

INFINITE LOVE COLLECTION

With the holidays over, it's time to prepare for V-day (yes, already!) Check out the charming new additions from Alex and Ani, launching January 20th: INFINITE LOVE COLLECTION. 

The perfect gift for your single lady friends, coworkers, mom, or sisters - you can't go wrong with Alex and Ani bangles! Though this day signifies affection and romance, it’s definitely not worthy of stress and anxiety on deciding what to get your lady-loves this year.These bangles come loaded with positive energy, symbolism and meaning that will make for a gift that she’ll love and she’ll love you even more for!

You can also customize your own meaningful stack for her. Check out these amazing bangles: 

Hair, Skin & Nails Supplements

AVIVA HAIR GROWTH SYSTEM, 

NATURES BOUNTY GUMMIES, VITAFUSION PRENATAL 
ADVANCE HSN & NOURÁGE

My first article of 2015 and what better way to kick off the new year than with hair? Funny how my bio: "All about the hair, the Curl~Gurl with Hair to Share" literally describes me, thanks to a few hair supplements I've been testing the past few months. My hair and nails are longer and stronger than they've ever been - and my skin has never looked better: I'M GLOWING! I feel like a cross between a Chia Pet and Wolverine from X-Men, with a hint of Edward Cullen in Twilight (that scene where the sun hits him? Ok, I'm kidding with the last one.) **WARNING: hair supplements will cause your hair to grow, you'll go from "barely there, to HAIR EVERYWHERE" so be ready to wax and shave, lol!** My eyebrows even grew back - but that's an entirely separate article, coming up shortly.

Before you couldn't tell exactly how long my hair was, until it was blow-dried. NOW, my hair hangs longer curly, than when straight. Here are a few great hair supplements and there is even one that's perfect for pre-menopausal and menopausal dolls (no, I'm not there yet quite the opposite.) My fave are the strawberry gummies. I'm no stranger to gummies, I've been taking these prenatal gummies and I love them. 

PreNatals also available in gummy form!

Hair growth in 2.5 months

Old pic to show you my hair length difference from curly to straight 
(rollers & flat iron)

We've all seen gimmicks, but this is my actual hair growth in 2 ½ months. If in doubt, my InstaGram pictures pretty much prove it. It's no secret I love selfies and dates don't lie...