MY BeautyCon NYC Experience

RECAP: THE FIRST-EVER BEAUTYCON NYC

OVER 4,500 ATTENDEES 

BeautyCon has taken over LA and London the past two years so when the first-ever BeautyCon NYC (partnered with with ELLE Magazine), finally took place I was ecstatic! Held at Pier 36 this past Saturday, over 4,500 attended this star-studded summit, packed with beauty influencers, celebs and hundreds of bloggers. For those that don't know, BeautyCon is a fashion and beauty conference for the internet's most influential beauty, brands, fashion icons and their ever-growing number of fans (think amazing YouTube make-up artists.) It was a MAKE-UP MECCA MELT-DOWN! 

BeautyCon partnered with ELLE with for the first NYC summit

FREE ILLAMASQUA MAKE-UP CLASS JUNE 1st

ILLAMASQUA INVITES YOU TO CREATE YOUR INNER BOMBSHELL: LEARN HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN SULTRY SMOKEY EYE, GET FIRST-HAND PEEK AT SUMMER COLLECTION LAUNCHING MAY 30th

Illamasqua’s Beauty School Drop-In returns to Bloomingdale’s with complimentary make-up lessons on how to create your most daring looks for summer.

NEW: THE BODY SHOP RAVISH IN RASPBERRY

THE BODY SHOP SPECIAL EDITION EARLY-HARVEST RASPBERRY BATH & BODY COLLECTION

#FlauntYourFlavor

Anytime that The Body Show launches a new product, I get ready to indulge and this new collection allows me to "ravish in raspberry". It's no secret that their body butters are my weakness and when I heard that The Body Shop launched the Special Edition Early-Harvest Raspberry Bath & Body Collection, I was ready to dig in. The five products in the Early-Harvest Raspberry Collection are the: Body Butter, Body Scrub, Eau de Toilette, Body Lotion and Shower Gel. I picked my three faves: 

Early-Harvest Raspberry Scrub, Body Butter & Lotion

PROTECT & REFRESH WITH CETAPHIL

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SKINCARE AWARENESS: 

PROTECT & PAMPER YOUR SKIN WITH CETAPHIL®

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as this month ends, we officially kick-start summer with Memorial Day Weekend. With that said, you have to be sure to protect and pamper your skin and Cetaphil’s has the summer skin essentials you need. From Daily Facial Moisturizers with SPF ($14) that help shield your face from the sun’s harmful rays, to refreshing Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths ($6) that cleanse skin after a long day in the sand, Cetaphil has you covered from head-to-toe.

REDKEN: ADAM LEVINE GOES PLATINUM - YOU CAN, TOO!

REDKEN BLONDE IDOL

Redken Hair Color Consultant David Stanko has the inside scoop on how to obtain and maintain the season's hottest haircolor trend.

#NotABoxedBlonde

Everyone is doing it. First Miley, then Beyonce and now Adam Levine. We didn't see it coming, but we love it. Redken Hair Color Consultant David Stanko has the inside scoop on what you should tell your stylist to get the perfect platinum, and the hair care products you need to maintain your new hue. What type of blonde are you? 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER!

MAY 21st - KICKING OFF GEMINI

HAPPY 37th BIRTHDAY EVCURLGURL

I have no shame whatsoever in saying my age. I am proud to say that today I am 37 YEARS YOUNG! It's all about how you feel and live your life. I absolutely feel and look better today, than I did at 17 or 27. I just DON'T understand why women feel the need to hide their true age once they hit 30 - I say EMBRACE IT! When I say my age, many ask me "What's your secret?" (after saying "you're not 37!") It's simple: I get lots of sleep (9-10 hours a night - I need my beauty sleep) two gallons of water a day, never smoked (still don't) and I wasn't much of a party girl. 

INTRODUCING: M∙A∙C PEDRO LOURENCO

M∙A∙C PEDRO LOURENCO

LIMITED EDITION PACKAGING 

AVAILABLE MAY 29, 2014

M∙A∙C PEDRO LOURENCO - Daring hues are juxtaposed against soft nudes, all encased in limited-edition packaging. The Nude Quad gives eyes a subtle metallic finish, while cheeks are flushed in Powder Blush (Duo). Cream Colour Base adds an icy lustre to eyes and cheeks as two Nail Lacquers provide an haute flash of colour for a chic complement to any look. Lips make a definitive style statement and a subtle swipe of Lipglass is the perfect finish, guaranteed to intrigue. #MACPedroLourenco

INTRODUCING LIMITED EDITION M∙A∙C OSBOURNES

M∙A∙C OSBOURNES 2-PART COLLECTION
SHARON & KELLY OSBOURNE AVAILABLE ONLINE June 2nd, 
IN STORES JUNE 12 - JULY 10, 2014

The most fabulous mother-daughter duo is coming to M·A·C! We are thrilled to announce a limited-edition colour collection, with the inimitable Sharon and Kelly Osbourne. Featuring a vibrant selection of statement making hues for eyes, lips and face, this two-part collection is encased in limited-edition packaging inspired by the duo’s signature red and violet colour palettes! #MACOsbournes

*NEW* M∙A∙C PREP+PRIME BB BEAUTY BALM

M∙A∙C SUMMER: PREP+PRIME BB BEAUTY BALM
AVAILABLE ONLINE May 29th, IN STORES 
JUNE 5th IN THE  PERMANENT LINE

M∙A∙C Prep+Prime BB Beauty Balm continues to lead the next generation of BB creams, enhancing skin’s natural luminosity, blurring imperfections and evening skin tone – all while shielding from harsh UV rays. Three NEW bronze shades give you lustrous summer skin in Refined Golden, Golden and Amber. Features broad spectrum SPF protection and softening ingredients to lock in moisture. Available in an SPF cream and a go-anywhere SPF 30 solid cream compact.

EVENT INVITE: Women's Health & Exhale Fusion Fest

Women’s Health Magazine & Exhale Spa 2nd Annual Nationwide “Fusion Fest” Event in New York City Celebrate with exhale & Women’s Health with 

Free Core Fusion Classes
May 20, 2014

WHO:
Women’s Health Magazine and Exhale’s Core Fusion
Plus meet Idalis Velasquez, a finalist in Women’s Health’s “Next Fitness Star” competition

WHAT:
Women’s Health magazine and Exhale are proud to celebrate the second annual FusionFest. Open to the public, the event will include complimentary evening Core Fusion classes, lite bites, goodie bags, giveaways, DJ’s and more at 18 exhale locations nationwide.

In conjunction with the events, Women’s Health is kicking off its 2^nd annual “Next Fitness Star” competition, searching for the next top trainer. After receiving thousands of submissions, Women’s Health has selected the top 5 finalists competing to star in their own DVD series and become a leader in the fitness industry. In select cities, the finalists will be in attendance where they will participate in the Core Fusion workouts and offer health consultations to attendees. 

Core Fusion Barre+Cardio, exhale’s newest class will be one of the featured workouts for attendees to try during FusionFest. The class combines the cardio benefits of interval training with the toning benefits of the barre technique. This fast paced two-part class consists of 30 minutes of sweaty sprints with short recovery periods followed by muscle-defining barre-based sequences of movements that target the thighs, butt and abs. It’s a one-stop-shop for a calorie torching, body-tightening workout.

WHEN:
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
5:30pm and 6:30pm

WHERE:

DECLÉOR PARIS CELEBRATES 40 YEARS!

40 YEARS OF VISIONARY BEAUTY: 
NEW HYDRA FLORAL BB CREAM 24-HR MOISTURE/SPF20

For 40 years, DECLÉOR has been the leader in aromatherapy cosmetic and professional skincare. Founded in 1974 by Solange Dessimoulie, DECLÉOR  was built on three founding values: naturalness, sensorality and effectiveness. I love using essential oils for my overall well being and relaxation, but a natural skincare line that not only enhances the appearance and quality of my skin but also heightens my senses, is right at the top of my list. 

Truly pioneers, DECLÉOR was the first to introduce aromatherapy cosmetics, transferring an ancestral know-how in medicine, to the world of beauty. DECLÉORS 100% all natural and active AROMESSENCE serum is perfect whether your skin is sensitive, normal, dry or mature. All types can benefit from healthier, hydrated skin.

FDA APPROVED i-LIPOXcell: LOSE A QUICK INCH (OR 2) IN 20 MINUTES

BEAUTY BREAKTROUGH: i-LIPO THE INTELLIGENT, NON-SURGICAL ALTERNATIVE TO LIPOSUCTION

This past February during a very busy, neck-breaking Fashion Week, I was invited to test drive this breakthrough innovation called i-LIPOXcell at The Wellpath, located at 903 Madison Ave #4F by Dr. Jame Heskett. This award-winning body contouring experience is said to be a quick-fix that "helps you lose a quick inch or two in only 20 minutes." I was skeptical at first, BUT being that I was a bit "fluffier" by 10 pounds due to the holidays and it was winter, so of course I quickly went for it. This is not LIPO, but an alternative. I was surprised at my results after just one treatment (normal treatment last 8 sessions.) 

The Wellpath as seen on Dr. Oz, located at 903 Madison Avenue

There were no needles involved, or pain and all I did was lay on a table for 20 minutes, with 6 paddles wrapped around my midsection that gave off a warming sensation. After this first step, Dr. Jame Heskett used a suction machine to massage the fat away from the treated area, to help it further breakdown. It was recommended that I exercise within 6 hours after the treatment, so I walked about a mile and a half back to Lincoln Center for Fashion Week (in 20 minutes, lol.) No downtime was required for this procedure and my appointment was scheduled for 11:00 am and I kept going until 8:00 pm, hitting fashion show after fashion show! 

Progress after 3 session (not me)

Dr. Scholl's DreamWalk with Heidi Klum

DR. SCHOLL'S DREAMWALK:

TAME YOUR MONSTER SHOES - TAKE THEM FROM BEAST TO BEAUTY!

It's no secret that we gals love our shoes and in most cases: the higher the better! Let's be honest, most of us have a few pairs of monsters in our closet that make us suffer and yet we still gladly wear them. Well Heidi Klum says you shouldn't have to let a shoe change your mood, just need to know how to TAME YOUR SHOES with Dr. Scholl's DREAMWALK. It's not only high heels, flats can hurt too and the DREAMWALK collection has your feet covered. From high heel insoles, rub relief strips, heel liners, arch support and ball of foot cushions - there is something to help your feet look beautiful and feel comfortable.

BEAUTYCON NEW YORK - SATURDAY MAY 24, 2014

BEAUTYCON AND ELLE PARTNER FOR FIRST-EVER 

BEAUTYCON NEW YORK SUMMIT

What:           BeautyCon is a fashion and beauty summit for the internet's most influential beauty and fashion icons and their ever-growing number of fans. BeautyCon has already taken over LA and London in the past two years, and now we're bringing all the fun to New York! Hundreds of content creators and celebs will come together to network, mingle, talk industry news, discuss the future of online media, and participate in panel discussions and Q&A's. Thousands will attend BeautyCon NYC and be able to participate in interactive presentations, watch performances, create content, shop, play games, learn about new products, and above all, be able to interact with some of the internet's most popular beauty icons! 

When:           Saturday, May 24^th  // 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Where:          Pier 36

                       2 Pier 36 at 299 South Street

                       New York, NY 10002

*** Tickets ($45-$145) can be purchased at www.beautycon.com ***

SPA: Grand Opening of Be Relax Spa NYC

BE RELAX SPA AT JETBLUE T5 FIRST BLOWDRY BAR AT JFK FEATURING: DERMALOGICA, MOROCCANOIL, JACK BLACK, CLARISONIC & OPI

New York (May 15, 2014) – Be Relax announced the official opening of its first New York City spa which is located in JetBlue’s Terminal 5 at JFK Airport, with a ribbon cutting ceremony. A unique concept spa in New York that spans 1,000 square feet and brings a superior feeling of comfort to its customers with a vegetation wall and warm wood elements.

Be Relax offers signature wellness services with Swedish massages, hot-stone massages, foot massages, acupressure chair massages; as well as beauty-oriented services, such as manicures, pedicures and exclusively uses OPI Gel color. The spa also marks another milestone – the first-ever blow-dry bar at JFK Airport. Additionally, the spa will offer barbering services.

The JFK Be Relax Spa location features:

• A hair salon corner
• Barbering services
• Two (2) treatment rooms for table massages, facials and hair removal services
• Exclusive brands including Dermalogica, Moroccan Oil, Jack Black, Clarisonic, OPI

Sherri Shepherd Twitter Party - TODAY Friday May, 16th

JOIN SHERRI MAY 16th from 2:00 - 3:00 PM EST 

10 LUCKY WINNERS WILL BE PICKED

10 lucky winners will be awarded great prizes from the LUXHAIR™ NOW™ by Sherri Shepherd™ collection -- so get your Twitter fingers ready! To join the party, just follow @SherriEShepherd on Twitter and join the conversation by adding the hashtag #SherriLUXHAIRQVC to your comments/questions.

NEW: Julep Plié Wand™

JULEPS GAME-CHANGING 

NAIL POLISH TOOL & CREATIVITY KIT

Finally, a nail tool that makes it easy and fun to paint your nails with your non-dominant hand. I got a sneak peak at it this past February, while backstage at Trina Turk NYFW show and when the JULEP team showed me the Plie Wand, I went nuts! The Julep Plié Wand™ ($25/$20 Maven) is available JUNE 2014 (maybe sooner.) Check out this how-to video: 

NAILPOLISH: 3 JULEP MAVEN COLLECTIONS REVIEW

MAY: THE FRESH TWIST & REWIND TO

MARCH: THE RIVIERA & 
APRIL: THE VIVID COLLECTIONS

This is every nail polish junkies dream: three Julep Maven collections reviewed in one 27 nail polish shades, from the March, April and May. I receive nine nail colors per month for review, with additional goodies. I share with you brushes, blushes, lip scrubs, lip gloss, glitter polish removing finger caps and the highly anticipated PLIE WAND (coming June!) 

Since May is my month (my birthday on the 21st) let's focus on Julep's "The Fresh Twist Collection", which features nine fresh shades perfect for summer!

1. JULES - (It Girl) - Warm powder pink crème- Finish: crème

2. MADDY - (Classic With A Twist) - Raspberry sorbet shimmer - Finish: shimmer

3. IONA - (It Girl) - Hydrangea blue crème - Finish: crème

4. KAM - (It Girl) - Vintage spearmint crème - Finish: crème

5. PAULETTE - (Boho Glam) - Golden lilac tulle shimmer - Finish:shimmer

6. JEANNE - (Boho Glam) - Jet-set blue crème - Finish: crème

7. LAREE - (Bombshell) - Golden pink taffeta shimmer - Finish: shimmer

8. SAAYA  - (Bombshell) - Golden apricot shimmer - Finish: shimmer

9. RAMONA - (Classic With A Twist) - Muted lavender rose crème - Finish: crème

Also in my JULEP MAY MAVEN box, is the highly anticipated Plié Wand™ ($25/$20 Maven), available June), a game-changing extended polishing tool, that helps you paint your nails with your non-dominant hand, while making it fun! Works with any nail polish brand. I also received the Creativity Kit ($10/$8 Maven) that includes:

• Dotting tool with a rounded tip for dots, heart, and more
• Striping brush with superfine bristles for French manis, stripes, and more

Striping brush, Precision Brush, Dotting Tool & Plie Overcap

Creativity Kit: Dotting Tool & Striping Brush

**APRIL - "THE VIVID COLLECTION**

I am still stuck on these bright shades, from last month's Julep Maven "The Vivid Collection" (which of course, you can still view and purchase here.) This collection introduced "GLOW", Juleps new pore minimizing blush ($24/$19 Maven) & bronzer ($28/$22 Maven) a Julep Blush Brush ($24/$19 Maven) and Bronzer Brush ($28/$22 Maven.) What were the polish shades?

1. TATUM - (Bombshell) - Neon chartreuse chrome - Finish: metallic/chrome
2. FLORA - (It Girl) - Exotic dragon fruit with blue shimmer - Finish: shimmer
3. MAREN - (It Girl) - Electric bubble gum sheer with blue sheen - Finish: sheer/frost/pearl
4. KAYLA - (Bombshell) - Electric iris sheer with violet sheen - Finish: sheer/frost/pearl
5. PHOEBE - (Boho Glam) - Vibrant jungle metallic - Finish: metallic/chrome
6. SUNNY - (Boho Glam) - Overexposed yellow chrome - Finish: metallic/chrome
7. MARISKA - (Classic With A Twist) - Juicy tangerine shimmer - Finish: shimmer
8. CAITLIN - (Classic With A Twist) - Shocking hibiscus with gold shimmer - Finish: shimmer
9. BAILEY - (It Girl) - Hyped cobalt sheer - Finish: crème

**MARCH - "THE RIVIERA COLLECTION**

Finally, Julep's March Maven "The Riviera Collection" showed a collection of Mediterranean shades and was ALL ABOUT THE LIPS! Showcasing Luxury Lipcare Duo ($25 buff lip scrub and luxe lip conditioning treatment) and Julep Lip Gloss. Also, refills for Party's Over Glitter Removal Kit ($28/$22 Maven.) Here are the nail color shades: 

1. SORAPHINE - (Classic With A Twist) - Classic sheer white crème - Finish: crème
2. ELISA - (Boho Glam) - Soft wisteria shimmer - Finish: crème
3. HARRIET - (Boho Glam) - Guava coral crème - Finish: crème
4. LILOU - (Bombshell) - Lemon chiffon crème - Finish: crème
5. LIZANNE - (It Girl) - Sea green shimmer - Finish: shimmer
6. MARGARET- (It Girl) - Light periwinkle crème - Finish: crème
7. MONACO - (It Girl) - Pantone® 2014 Color, a dazzling mariner blue crème - Finish: crème
8. MYRIAM - (Classic With A Twist) - Casino red crème - Finish: crème
9. PRINCESS GRACE - (It Girl) - Rich papaya crème - Finish: crème

Become a Julep Maven to receive monthly customizable beauty boxes and save 20% off. Visit www.Julep.com to view and/or purchase these and other products. 

~Evelyn Lugo

Dove® Welcomes Spring with New Product Launches

Purely Pampering Pistachio Cream with Magnolia Body Wash & 

Beauty Bar, Dove Crème Mousse Body Washes

I think its finally safe to say "spring has sprung" even if its the middle of May, because every time I brought myself to say it, Mother Nature had to have the last laugh. Who doesn't love Dove, formulated with ¼ moisturizing cream and is great for your skin? DOVE helped me welcome spring with a gorgeous basket of goodies. Packed in a foot bath bucket were the newest product additions to the brand’s portfolio, along with a: bathrobe, grooming gift set, pistachio flavored macrons and even a green candle - quite the cute, themed gift-idea. 

Here are the new products to join the brand: 

BOOKS, SPA & CHARITY: RHONY AVIVA DRESCHER, RED DOOR SPA, LIVE4LIFE FOUNDATION

LEGGY BLONDE: A MEMOIR 

BY AVIVA DRESCHER

LIVE4LIFE FOUNDATION & RED DOOR SPA

With all the writing, work, deadlines and events in my life, I actually do find some down time and the way I love to spend it, is reading! My latest was a memoir by The Real Housewives of New York City's own Aviva Drescher: Leggy Blonde: A Memoir. Forget what you see on the show, this book drew me in and made me understand and respect this woman on a deeper level. From losing her foot in a tragic barn accident at age six, insane attempts to reattach it, Aviva Drescher even answers questions regarding her prostheseis, proving that she not only knows pain, but sure endured it over and over again.

MOTHER'S DAY LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS

MOMS & MOMS TO-BE GIFT IDEAS: 

BABY SEBAMED, CUREDIVA.COM, LOXA BEAUTY, MOROCCANOIL & MUSTELA

Mother's Day is right around the corner and what better way than my fave mommy and mommy's-to-be last minute gift ideas? Let's take a look at my beauty picks from: Baby Sebamed, Curediva.com, Loxa Beauty, Moroccanoil and Mustela. 

MAKE-UP: BITE BEAUTY LIP GLOSS

BITE BEAUTY DECONSTRUCTED ROSE 
12-PIECE LIP GLOSS LIBRARY 

Bite Beauty Deconstructed Rose  Lip Gloss Library (12 0.05 oz )

R.I.P. MY BELOVED FUR~BABY CHEWY

CHEWY: 05/14/01 - 05/03/14

Sometimes there just aren't any words to describe utter heartbreak, but I had to find them. Despite all the love and amazing moments I spent with my beloved fur~baby Chewy for nearly 13 years, I had to make the bravest and hardest decision of my life. This past Saturday on May 3rd, my Chewy was put to sleep due to heart failure. The following pictures were captured minutes before he passed and it's almost as if he knew and even then, he tried to comfort me, licking my tears. I made sure to be there for him, comforting him, hugging him until he fell asleep. I didn't think I would have the strength to do this, but I just couldn't let him go alone, scared, with people he didn't know. He deserved better and I made sure he got it.