PREVIEW: Julep Maven January - THE BOUDOIR COLLECTION

JULEP "The boudoir Collection:

fancy finishes & top drawer products" 

My January Julep Maven Box

New Year, NEW NAILS! Julep's January latest Maven is right around the corner, with a fresh start - and a fresh manicure. Get ready for Julep's Maven January: "The Boudoir Collection", with sexy shades in 4 finishes: creme, silk, satin and shimmer.

Pantone Color of the Year RADIANT ORCHID (Faves in Beauty, Hair & Skin)

RADIANT ORCHID: 
a captivating, magical, enigmatic purple

Earlier this month, Pantone announced their 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid! Now, everywhere you look it's ORCHID: hair, make-up, skincare, accessories, you name it! It's not a surprise that orchids have been used in skin and hair care, for their reparative and protective properties for centuries and orchids are also my favorite flower, as well as scent. 

MOROCCANOIL Pure Argan Oil

Pure Restoration for hair, skin, lips and nails

MOROCCANOIL is the leader (and originator) in premium argan oil products, so now they unveiled Pure Argan Oil ($50 1.7 fl. oz.) a truly universal, lightweight elixir that works on hair, skin, nails, cuticles - even lips. HOW can you go wrong?

Precious, potent, lightweight, luxurious - like silk

NEW LOCATION: The Red Door & Beauty Boutique at Union Square

"To be beautiful is the birthright of every woman."

~Elizabeth Arden

Ready for R-E-L-A-X-A-T-I-O-N

Now that the stress of the hustle and bustle from the holiday shopping season is over, or if you still have to get a gift for someone who truly deserves it (it's never too late), this Red Door Gal suggest Elizabeth Arden's new spa and beauty boutique: The Red Door, located in the heart of Union Square in New York City (200 Park Avenue South, at 17th Street.) Why? Because giving (or getting) the gift to be pampered, never fails! The Red Door is the epitome of serenity, bliss, heaven and harmony for men and women. 

Happy Holidays with Healthy, Homemade Pet Treats

CHEER, CURLS & CHEWY!

Chewy is such a good sport, though some think he's just given up..

Taking a break from "beauty", your Curl~Gurl" is shifting gears and discussing PETS! As a Beauty Editor, you'd be very surprised that I get tons of products for review, that aren't just for me. Lately I've been slammed with items for men and dogs, thanks to  my pioneering efforts of dressing Chewy up and posting pictures on social media. He's a great sport, so I torture my lil guy with costumes, for EVERY occasion:

Frantic? Visit FragranceNet.com for Last-Minute Gifts

For: Him, Her, Hostess, Teens & Kids

FragranceNet.com

If you're anything like me, you wait until the last minute to get gifts. FragranceNet.com has fragrance gifts for EVERYONE on your list: him, her, hostess, teens, girls and boys! Stop scrambling, ditch the mall for your laptop and head to FragranceNet.com! The site offers everything from gift sets, to designer scents, to cosmetics, skincare, candles, and everything in between – all at the lowest possible prices!

Gifts For Her

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume ($62.19): An alluring fragrance for women from renowned fashion icon Gianni Versace, Bright Crystal is a deeply evocative scent that carefully balances a moderate tone with an attractive bouquet, perfect for all kinds of casual events. The scent has a delicate and appealing construction that blends notes of magnolia, peony and lotus flowers with plant amber, yuzu and pomegranate. Just a splash will leave her smelling wonderful for hours.

Gifts For Him

Terre D’Hermes Cologne Gift Set ($107.19): This cologne by Hermes has provided men with a fresh fragrance that is perfect for use during the daytime. Whether it's worn at the office or on the golf course,

HOLIDAY CONTEST: Mani Diaries & Essie

Mani Diaries & Essie Contest featuring Miss Ladyfinger

Listen up you "Fingertip Fashionistas", here's your chance to NAIL IT: Mani Diaries and Essie are coming together to promote a Holiday Nail Contest and Miss Ladyfinger, expert nail fashionista, will be choosing the winner! The contest will run from Friday, December 20th- Sunday, December 29th.

The lucky winner will receive a limited edition Essie Holiday Kit (featuring Essie's 5 most iconic shades) and

PREVIEW: Spray Thin - Appetite Suppressant Spray

SPRAY THIN: SCENT REDUCES HUNGER 

INCREASES WEIGHT LOSS

Savory and Sweet Spray Thin

Now THIS, I have to try. All those who know me: friends, family, even readers, KNOW just how much I eat; ALL THE TIME , ALL DAY, EVERYDAY (linebackers have NOTHING on me!) I may not weigh 100 lbs (still well under 140) BUT I eat well over 8 LARGE meals a day, with my doctor baffled - even surprised that my cholesterol is perfect and I'm in good health. Thank goodness I'm very active - I log well over 14,000 steps A DAY!

I can eat...

REDKEN Shampoo for MEN

REDKEN For Men Full-Impact Bodifying Shampoo

I'm sure I'm not alone: have you ever had either your husband, boyfriend, brother or any male relative for that matter, use your favorite (or worse) very expensive shampoo, when he doesn't even need it? Well I once told my brother that a bar of soap rubbed on his shaved, bald head, would suffice!

Well, lucky for many ladies out there, if your man isn't bald but rather wants to save his fine or thinning hair, this is just for him: REDKEN full impact bodifying shampoo ($12 10.1 oz.), which gives volume or for those with thinning hair, thickening formula with REDKEN'S innovated, patented Intra-Cylane® and protein. 

INTRA-CYLANE® = Richness & Fullness

CELLULOSE         = Provides A VOLUMIZING EFFECT

PROTEIN                = HELPS Reinforce The Hair

To use: Lather in hands, massage on hair for one minute and rinse. Massaging for one minute will maximize the thickening, volumizing benefits - for best result. 

Smells great, highly cleansing, with a foaming surfactant for that thoroughly clean result. When used daily, REDKEN full impact bodifying shampoo help make his strands more disciplined, with fiber density d fullness reinforced. In fact, REDKEN has an entire hair care line formulated just for men, depending on his needs: 

Help him "get into the thick of it" by saying hello to thicker, richer, fuller hair! I'm all about the hair and so should he! Available at REDKEN salons or go to Redken.com for locations. 

~Evelyn Lugo

OROGOLD Cosmetics: 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Serum & Deep Day Moisturizing Cream

OROGOLD: Luxury 24K Gold Skin Care

24K Deep Day Moisturizer Cream $128 & 24K Caviar Micro-Beads Serum $500

As I said once before "talk about the MIDAS Touch!" I'm no stranger to beauty products and the past 2 years as a Beauty Editor, have definitely put me at an advantage to review, use and LOVE every product under the sun! OROGOLD COSMETICS is an anti-aging cosmetics line that actually contains 24K Gold, even includes a certificate of authenticity which confirms 24K gold from Italy!

Super Exclusive TSV Deal 12/28: IT Cosmetics on QVC

IT COSMETICS® 
5-pc COLLECTION

New Year, Your Most Beautiful You! Five-Piece Collection on QVC

Who: 
 IT Cosmetics® - Clinically Proven, Skin Loving, Problem Solutions

What:

IT Cosmetics® will be offering their one –time, limited edition Today’s Special Value® (TSV) worldwide five-piece collection launch for the special low price of $59.96 on QVC™! The collection includes the following products:

• Feel the Moment™ Anti-Aging Ultra Hydrating Sensory Awakening Primer Serum
• Heavenly Luxe™ Sensory Sweeping Fan Brush
• Celebration Foundation® Illumination
• Heavenly Luxe™ Double Airbrush Foundation Brush
• Eyelift In A Tube™ Bye Bye® Under Eye & Hello Light™ Liquid Brightener

This 5-piece collection, developed with plastic surgeons and infused with amazing, luxe ingredients, is your 30 seconds to full coverage and airbrushed illumination! IT truly works!
Where:
QVC™, the QVC apps and QVC.com

When:December 28, 2013 from midnight to 2:59 a.m. EST the following day.

Why?: (because your skin deserves it!) 

~Evelyn Lugo

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Black Lip Stain

OCC "Little Black Dress" Lip Tar Stained Gloss

I tend to wear my lips nude, somewhat "sheer" (bold red on rare occasions) so when OCC launched "Little Black Dress" ($18 .33 oz., a sheer glossy black) on Black Friday, I wasn't too interested initially, thinking to myself "I can't wear this to the office...? Well, I was wrong.

LACOSTE Gift Sets for HIM

LACOSTE BLANC & NOIR
 FRAGRANCE SETS

Still looking for quick, last-minute gift for the dude in your life and a shirt just won't cut it? Check out the "LACOSTE polo shirt, in a fragrance collection." If you need a nice gift for Secret Santa, dad, brother or just a lucky pal, check out these 2 gift sets from LACOSTE: Noir and Blanc - 2 very distinct scents for him: day & night, black & white!

Noir gift set 

Noir, most recent launch in the collection is Intense. Aromatic basil and watermelon surround a dewy white floral magnolia, underpinned by intense, deep patchouli and chocolate notes. Perfect for the warm, sophisticated and deep man, who people find themselves drawn to.

Blanc gift set 

Blanc fragrance suitsa Pure and refined mood – timeless, classic, and inspired by the white polo shirt, it is the hero of the EAU DE LACOSTE L.12.12 range. It suits the impeccably dressed man at the party. Clear and aromatic rosemary opens the woody floral creation, which is based around a natural white floral tuberose for a clean and crisp scent. The cedarwood and vetiver woody base notes ensure that the fragrance has a more masculine appeal and direction.

Joining Lacoste's other fragrances, Noir and Black are sure to awaken your senses. Both gift sets contain Eau de LacosteL.12.12 Blanc/Noir 100ml EDT and 150ml Shower Gel that retail for $68. www.lacoste.com

Holiday Skin & Shaving Gift Ideas, for HIM

Body and Shave Kits

You don't know Jack! We women spend hours and hundreds of dollars taking care of our skin, and skincare products, shaving/hair removal, but sometimes tend to overlook the man in our life. What about him?You can't expect him to you use your orchid or peach scented body wash? Believe it or not, men are just into their skin and hair care routine, as we are and go to great lengths to look good (and I believe work even harder, due their facial hair!) 

Whether he's your man, brother, father or friend, help him out this holiday season with these cute (don't let him hear you call them cute) kits JUST for him. After all, his skin care, shaving and hygiene has to be on point!

Every Man Jack body kit

That's where Every Man Jack comes in: shave and body kits just for him!

Isola's Limited Edition Holiday Collection: Brown Sugar Scrubs

Sugar Scrubs Good Enough To Eat

Jamaica: Candied Fig, Sweet Cinnamon & Pumpkin and Caramel Apple

In honor of The Voice Season 5 winner Tessanne Chin, delight your skin and senses with "Jamaica in a Jar!" What do you get the beauty and foodie lover on your list? Sugar and spice and all things nice, because that's what Isola's Limited Edition Holiday Collection, is made of! Isola's Brown sugar scrubs are literally good enough To eat (yep, I actually tasted, though I don't think that's quite the idea.)

YUM: Sweet Cinnamon & Pumpkin was my fave, I double-dipped!

PREVIEW - Holiday Metallic Eyes: Emma Watson, Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz

Holiday Eyes: Gold, Silver & Bronze

 Emma Watson, Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz

With the holidays upon us, that means only two things: tons of parties and endless holiday eye looks. Sexy, seductive eyes are huge this holiday season, so why not channel your heavy metal side and rock a metallic lid with either Silver, gold, or bronze?


I personally love all three metallic shades, depending on my outfit.If I'm rocking all black, I go with silver frosted on my lids, eyeliner and lengthening mascara. When I wear brown/beige, then I go with bronze on the center of my lids and nudes highlighted on my brow-bone and inner eye corner. For bronze, I mix it with nude and gold tone, simply using the bronze in the outer crease - as my darker shade, and I create a more subtle "smokey eye" look.
Whether you want to achieve a cool silver look, the dashing gold-gone or get a glow with bronze, metallics are a sure-fire way to be the hit at any party this holiday season! To get the star-studded looks rocked by Scarlett, Emma and Penelope at home, choose the metal of your choice, with products from glō minerals and Palladio Beauty. Let's take a look:

1. Palladio Beauty Glitter Pencil in Silver Sparkle ($5)
2. Palladio Beauty Shadow & Liner Crayon in Silver Bells ($6)
3. glō minerals Jeweled Eye Pencil in Sterling Silver ($18)
4. glō minerals Eye Shadow in Silver Mist ($18.50)
5. Palladio Beauty Baked Eye shadow in Black Tie ($8)
6. glō minerals Shimmer Dust in Sleigh Bell Silver ($24)

1. Palladio Beauty Shadow & Liner Crayon in Gold Dust ($6)
2. Palladio Beauty Precision Eyeliner in Gold Rush ($6)
3. glō minerals Jeweled Eye Pencil in Baroque ($18)
4. Palladio Beauty Baked Eye shadow in Metallics ($8)
5. glō minerals Dust 24K in Gold ($38.50)

1. glō minerals Jeweled Eye Pencil in Bejeweled Bronze ($18)
2. Palladio Beauty Shadow & Liner Crayon in Espresso ($6)
3. Palladio Beauty Baked Eyeshadow in Bronzee ($6)
4. glō minerals Eye Shadow in Mink ($18.50)
5. glō minerals Dust 24K in Bronze ($38.50)

All products above and more are available from www.gloprofessional.com and www.palladiobeauty.com.

~Evelyn Lugo

American Hustle: HAIR

American Hustle & 70's Hair Bustle

This 70's baby (I was born in '77) can't get enough of the hair in American Hustle, particularly Amy Adams (curl~gurl, duh.) Why?, well for obvious reasons AND the fact that is quite simple: wash & go! This film had me focused more on the hair, than the actual wardrobe!

bella j.™ Candles: Unlock a Special $10,000 Treasure

Bella J - A treasure in every candle worth up to $1,000 

a few worth $10,000!

I love candles and also love accessories, so when I heard about bella j. launching, I was thrilled! bella j.  ($24.99 10.5 oz of soy paraffin wax poured in California) is a cool collection of 8 colorful and delicious smelling candles (sold separately), that contain a hidden treasure: a stylish and chic charm inside the wax, either on a bracelet or necklace. Charms inside your bella j. candle range anywhere from $10 to $1,000 AND a few LUCKY customers (10 I believe) candle will contain an extraordinary jewel that is worth a whopping 10,000! 

BEST Celeb Moments with EvCurlGurl...

So far, SO GOOD: 50 TOP Moments

A look at my most memorable work...

The past three years as a writer, now Senior Editor, have been quiet the wild one: celebs, events, designers, make-up artists, renowned hair gurus, press previews, new launches, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, same-day trips and helicopter rides. Not to mention

Julep Pop-Up Store NYC Dec 13 - 22 & 20% Off Code

Julep Maven's REJOICE: Free bottle for the 

first 200 Attendees

HUGE bottle of "EMPIRE" nail polish, adorns the Julep Pop-Up Store

Calling all Fingertip Fashionistas: TODAY Julep opens the doors to their NYC holiday pop-up boutique! I have joined the "Maven Madness"

Myotone Facial Toning System - Free Shipping!

MYOTONE FACIAL

TONING SYSTEM

I'm all for great looking skin, especially if I can do it at home: quick and easy. Well, check out one of the best ways to give the gift of glowing, radiant and toned skin this holiday. In face, consider it a Red Bull for your face!) Myo Technologies, Inc., provider of Myotonology®, the only U.S. patented, totally non-invasive microcurrent skin toning treatment, will be offering free shipping on all ordersplaced for its new Myotone® Facial Toning System, an at-home youth preservation device that stimulates the muscles and skin to reduce and prevent visible signs of aging. Free shipping from December 2, 2013 and through December 20, 2013.

How does it work? Myotonology increases circulation and metabolism, thus improving skin tone, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It increases hydration and nourishment of the skin and gives you immediate results. The user-friendly Myotone® unit and the complementary botanical skin care line (Myo Essentials®) is ideal for cost-conscious men and women, ages 30-60. This at-home system requires treatments of 5-10 minutes a day and in just three easy steps!

A major plus during the harsh winter season, where skin (like mine) gets extremely dry and dull. This is a surefire way to bring back that glow to your face. Your friends and family will be thanking you for seasons to come. You can purchase the Myotone® Facial Toning System for $279.99 through Amazon.com and Myotone.com

~Evelyn Lugo

Hottest Hair Tools

T3 Bodywaver, Shower Filter, Cortisio Premium Ceramic Styler KareCo Brushes & SPIRIT by EmiJay ties

It's no secret that I KNOW HAIR - I'm practically 70% hair, so hair tools go hand-in-hand and I always gotta have the best for my hair. Whether I'm rocking it straight or curly, it's not only about the shampoo, conditioner and gel, but also the tools "behind the scenes" that help me achieve my best hair look ever. It's starts from the shower. NO, not the shampoo, but a SHOWER FILTER itself.

T3 SOURCE SHOWER FILTER ($130)

Fits all shower heads, removes 95% of chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), Iron oxide (rust), dirt and sediment. Has 8 spray settings and a built-in filtration system. Great if you have hard-water! Lasts about 6 month (at least for me) before you need to replace the cartridge. www.T3micro.com

CORTISIO PREMIUM CERAMIC STYLER ($250)

Kaleidoscope ($250) & Metallic Blue ($225) Ceramic Stylers

This Curl~Gurl found a ceramic flat iron that not only made my hair silky smooth, but shiny as well. With a 450° max temperature, ionic black tourmaline gemstones and floating plates to prevent stress to hair folicles, Cortisio truly works to "tame your mane!" I have owned 5 different flat irons and none have done the job as well as Cortisio has. *UPDATE* Get your Cortisio at Ricky's NYC, at a special price of $69.99 here: CORTISIO at Ricky's NYC

My daughter Jaylyn

Me, EvCurlGurl before & after

Cortisio sent me their ceramic styler, but my daughter fell in love with the fun pink print and instantly took over it. They even made us honorary #Cortisiogirls (check out their Facebook/Cortisio and Twitter @cortisiohair and be sure to follow them. Available in many stylish designs and colors, that my daughter took my pink Cortisio styler, (reps sending me a blue one - my favorite color.)

Now if you doubt the power of Cortisio, let my BEFORE pictures be the judge and jury! Get yours at www.cortisio.com . 

T3 Bodywaver $149

HUGE 1.75" barrel, gorgeous white ceramic barrel

Once I straightened my hair, after about a week I craved waves, so I enlisted the help of T3's Bodywaver. Perfect for short hair, medium length or long hair, the T3 Bodywaver can create a many styles, such as: curved under finish, smooth & flipped out, volume with waves, touseled loose waves, straight with rolled ends and polished waves. It all depends on the angle you use it. www.www.t3micro.com

                                      

KareCo Salon Brushes ($12 / $11) 

Small round thermal brush & 9-row Styling brush

Believe it or not, I actually DO comb my hair - when it's straight that it. KareCo has been the professional stylist's choice for 12 years and help eliminate frizz and static fly-aways. I've had my share of brushes that melt with the heat of my blow dry (expensive ones too.) These are heat-resistant with ball-tipped nylon bristles that easily glide through hair. Small round thermal brush: 2.0" speeds up drying time,  rehydrates, reconditions and restores hairs natural balance. 9-Row Styling Brush: Perfect for combing wet hair, detangling or blowdrying by breaking down water molecules for faster drying time. Available at Walmart, www.walmart.com and www.kareco.com

SPIRIT by EMI-JAY 

Crimson/houndstooth $7, Headband $11, Black/Gold Chevron $7

Hair ties are now also fashion statements and can be seen on the wrists of many celebs and gals alike, ready for a quick ponytail. Hair ties are also a cool way to show your team spirit for: universities, sororities, schools and sports teams. Inspired by their passion for fashion, Emi-Jay was created by two teenage entrepreneurs Emily and Julianne.

Emi-Jay also gives back to the community, by donating 20% of their profits to charity. Tons of cool prints and colors! Check them out at: www.emi-jay.com

ROLL TIDE! I always have a knot hair tie on my wrist READY to pick up my hair!

~Evelyn Lugo

Offer Code EV25: EvCurlGurl & CURLS™ for "Effortless Frizz Free~Hair 2 Share!"

CURLS™ FIGHT AGAINST FRIZZ!

Curl Ecstasy Hair Tea Conditioner, Curl Souffle curl cream 
& Cashmere Curls Leave-In Conditioner

What do you get when EvCurlGurl and the amazing CURLS™ hair products get together? Simple: Effortless, frizz-free CURLS, with HAIR 2 SHARE! I know curls and CURLS founder Mahisha Dellinger definitely  knows curls, so this combination is fabulous and FRIZZ-FREE!