S.O.S SUMMER SKINCARE - HANDS & FEET

NIGHTCARE™ REJUVENATING HAND CREAM & EXFOLIATING FOOT SCRUB

Yes, "summer is here" but if you live in NYC, you know that this has been quite a mild summer and it's already August! Yes, we've had a few warm days here and there, but thankfully no heatwaves like the past summers. This still hasn't prevented me from rocking flip flops daily (I know, they're bad for you, but I'm a Havaiana's addict) and hitting the beach weekly, so my hands and feet need all the hydration they can get. Regardless where you live, NightCare Rejuvenating Hand Cream ($6.50 2 oz. & $13.00 6.5 oz.) and Nightcare Exfoliating Foot Scrub ($13.00 6.5 oz.) are perfect for dry summer skin! 

YOUTUBE SENSATION BETHANY MOTA'S NEW FRAGRANCE!

BETHANY LAUNCHES 1st FRAGRANCE 

EXCLUSIVELY WITH Aéropostale

#AERONOW

Bethany Mota - $25.00 

On Monday, July 28th, teen YouTube sensation Bethany Mota (seriously, she has over six million subscribers) launched her first fragrance with Aéropostale, a perfect balance of vibrant fresh fruits and florals, delicious creaminess and sweetness. I cannot even begin to tell you how much security was on hand, they shut down the entire second floor and covered every inch of the store (sweet!) I was on hand for this launch at the Aéropostale store in Times Square, surrounded by sweets and scents and I also had the pleasure of meeting Bethany! Of all the notes in the fragrance, I pick up vanilla (which I love) and I keep getting asked by coworkers and strangers alike, what scent I have on. Bethany looked very excited for her new fragrance (which officially hits stores Monday and will be available exclusively at all of Aéropostale’s 850 retail locations nationwide and on Aeropostale.com) and she was just as sweet at her fragrance. 

FRAGRANCE NOTES

Top: Bergamont, Red Berry Mélange, White Peach

Mid: Cotton Candy, Praline, Strawberry Flower

Base: Vanilla Sugar, Crystallized Musk, Creamy Wood

Bethany's signature fragrance was created through a collaboration with a young French female partner, Beth Pritchard (Sunrise Beauty) in a custom designed bottle, heart-shaped that is dusted with gold. The cap details signify Bethany's love of prints and bows and have three gold charms - her signature touch: her heart logo, name and half moon symbolize her phrase "Love you to the moon...".

RECAP: HERCULES WITH PALMERS & GIVEAWAY

#PALMERSHERCULES ADVANCED MOVIE SCREENING; 

HERCULES-APPROVED TOTE FILLED WITH PALMERS PRODUCTS!

When I hear "advance screening, Hercules and Palmer's" in the same sentence, I'm in: no need to tell me twice! This past Thursday on July 24th, Palmer's invited a group of Editors and Bloggers (myself included) to the advance screening of this summers blockbuster: HERCULES, starring "The Rock" Dwayne Johnson, this private event was held at the AMC on Times Square. I won't lie, it was pretty awesome to have an entire floor and concession stand, reserved just for us. With that said, you already know I ate...WELL!

After we were escorted upstairs via a private elevator and checked in, every seat had a Palmer's tote bag filled with Palmer's products. Palmer's is a long-time love of mine, as I have been using cocoa butter ever since I was a kid. The movie was a-m-a-z-i-n-g, packed with action, tons of laughs and a few gross gore-filled parts (I literally spit out my chicken finger in one scene!) I won't say too much, except that I will definitely see it again.

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY

PUCKER UP, JULY 29th IS NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY!

Pucker up dolls, you should by now that today is National Lipstick Day! What better way to celebrate than with Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick ($25). They're infused with moisture-enriched pigments that are clinically proven to keep lips moisturized all day, providing exceptional color payoff that lasts for 12 hours without feathering or fading.  With more than 30 shades to choose from, you’ll definitely find your perfect match!

Red Door Red arrived same day as these stunning red specs - picture perfect!

REDKEN CURVACEOUS

REDKEN'S CURL LINE "CURVACEOUS" 

FROM LOOSE WAVES TO SPIRAL CURLS

I'm sharing with my curl~friends another one of my favorite curl lines which I have used since its launch in 2012 from Redken: CURVACEOUS. When REDKEN launched their curl line CURVACEOUS nearly two years ago, I attended the launch at The Redken Exchange where I had an amazing one-on-one consultation with stylist Jenny Balding, whom I now have the pleasure of joining backstage at many NYFW shows. I received these products from Redken for re-review on my blog, because I am after-all, "The Curl~Gurl with Hair to Share!" 

REDKEN Curl Pattern Scale: What's your curl type? 

TODAY: BEAUTY MEETS SCIENCE

JOIN IN #AskBioElixia LIVE ON FACEBOOK TODAY
3 LUCKY WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED

Testing, stay tuned for my review!

TODAY, July 23rd from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. PST, follow along and simply use the hashtag #AskBioElixiawhen you post questions on the Dermstore Facebook wall. During the live Q&A, 3 lucky winners will receive BioElixia’s BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème, valued at $49.50! I have been testing BioElixia's Cellulite Contour Cream since November and let's just say that I don't have ANY cellulite. 

TOO FACED COSMETICS LIPPIES SWATCH REVIEW

LIP SWATCH: LIP INJECTION COLOR BOMB, MELTED & LA CREME

Too Faced Cosmetics is a make-up brand I have long loved since their launch, you can always find me anxiously awaiting their new releases: bronzers, cocoa-infused formulas, mascaras and especially their lippies; Too Faced always has my attention. It took me a while, but I finally test drove and loved some of their shades, from their luscious lippie collections: Lip Injection Color Bomb! Moisture Plumping Lip Tint, Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick and La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream. I prepped my pout and puckered away, swatching 19 shades from three lip lines: 

MAKE-UP: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHEER COVER STUDIO

CHEERS: SHEER COVER STUDIO CELEBRATES 1ST BIRTHDAY!

#HBDSheerCoverStudio

Happy 1st Birthday to Sheer Cover Studio! Cheers to a beauty line that provides incredible coverage, feels feather-light, looks natural (my kind of make-up) and helps you achieve flawless skin. Spokesperson Brooke Burke-Charvet who suffered from melasma (skin condition that caused patches of dark discoloration all over her face) for 10 years, proudly stands behind this life-changing beauty product. Sheer Cover Studio has solved her struggles covering up her problem. Brooke tried everything: lasers, peels and heavy make-up, but nothing worked - until she tried Sheer Cover. Here is a look at the Sheer Cover Studio line, which comes in four shades: light, tan, medium and dark: 

MIAMI SWIM WEEK BEAUTY LOOK

CLOVER CANYON + STILA COSMETICS AT MIAMI SWIM WEEK 

& INTRODUCING STILA'S FALL 2014 COLLECTION

Here's a sneak peek at the Clover Canyon + Stila Cosmetics make-up look, at Miami Swim Week. Also, Stila is introducing their fall 2014 collection, available August 1st at ULTA, Nordstrom and stilacosmetics.com. If you missed my NYFW F/W 2014 backstage coverage of Clover Canyon, here is is again: Evcurlgurl/FASHION-FRIDAY-Clover-Canyon-FW14

CLOVER CANYON + STILA COSMETICS: MIAMI SWIM WEEK

Stila Face Chart 

LEAD MAKEUP ARTIST: Sarah Lucero, Celebrity Makeup Artist and Global Artistic Director for Stila Cosmetics

INSPIRATION: "Sun Kissed Siren" - beauty focus on the lips. "The makeup was minimal with a fun pop of color. Skin was kept young, fresh and healthy and just warmed up with orange tones on both the face and lip. (click read more.....)

SUMMER: HAIR SUNSCREEN - OUIDAD

MY SUMMER CURL CARE: OUIDAD SUN SHIELD SUN & SPORT

LEAVE-IN SPRAY WITH UV FILTERS

SPF for your hair? YEP! OUIDAD Sun Shield Sun & Sport Leave-In Spray ($63, 33.8 oz. refill bottle at Ouidad.com) is my favorite summer-hair must-have which can be found in my beach bag at all times. Anyone who knows me, KNOWS that I spend a lot of time swimming at the beach or pool (I may be part dolphin) and they wonder how I still manage to keep my hair healthy after so much sun, chlorine and sea salt. I spray it all over my hair before heading to the beach, pool or whenever I'm out in the sun a lot. I spray my hair again after swimming or laying out in the sun. This leave-in conditioner protects your with UV filters from damaging environmental elements and leaves it super soft, manageable and prevents breakage. 

My beach bag buddy!

NEW BAUSCH+LOMB THERA°PEARL EYE MASK

SOOTHING HOT OR COLD THERAPY EYE MASK 

WITH PEARL TECHNOLOGY

REACH COMPLETE CARE TOOTHBRUSHES

UPGRADE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH TO REACH COMPLETE CARE 

& GET A NEW ANGLE ON BRUSHING

For as long as I can remember, REACH toothbrushes have been known to get to those "hard-to-reach-places" (remember the cartoon commercial where the guy flips his head backwards to reach his back teeth while brushing? I do) with their specially angled necks and now REACH COMPLETE CARE ($3.99 - $5.99) introduces new distinctive features: new, triple-angles, heads, deep cleaning bristles, grips and more coverage.  

I'm on it! What's inside?.....

MY CABANA BOY

BEACH BAG MUST-HAVE "MY CABANA BOY"

HELPS YOU SPRAY TOUGH-TO-REACH SPOTS

Calling all beach bums & babes (myself included,) FINALLY a new spray tool that helps you get your own back with spray sunscreens and sunblock: My Cabana Boy! I desperately needed this tool at the beach on Sunday, when everyone went off into the water and I needed to reapply my sunblock. I had two choices: ask the hairy, sleazy dude a couple of blankets over that kept ogling my bubbles & buns, or struggle myself and spray the air and my towel neighbor (I chose the latter.) I'm sure many will agree that their prayers have been answered (not just us gals, but the boyfriends who will ask "who rubbed you down at the beach?") This is an absolute, beach bag must-have! 

Fun in the sun - smiles for miles! 

Made in America (proudly manufactured in New Jersey,) the My Cabana boy retails for $13.99 and is available in four bright colors (orange, green, yellow and blue) and fits any standard sunscreen, lotion and self-tanning sprays. These include: Vaseline and St. Ives spray lotions. Very easy to use, providing 11" of extra reach to help you get your back and legs, providing complete sun-care coverage.

CUTEX SUMMER NAIL TIPS

CUTEX TIPS FOR HEALTHY SUMMER NAILS & NEW GEL POLISH REMOVAL KIT

CUTEX® is the leader in nail care products since 1911, so when they give you tips for healthy nails, you listen! With summer here (I have nearly 300 bottles of polish) I go crazy with all the pastels and neon shades, sometimes changing my color twice a day - and my nails take a beating. Luckily, CUTEX removes my polish quickly while caring for my nails. I received the following products from CUTEX: Advanced Revival Nail Polish remover, Spa Formula Nail Polish Remover, BASEWORX Smoothing & Strengthening Base Coat and their new Gel Polish Removal Kit ($9.95.) 

Believe me, I go through A LOT of polish changes...

The Gel Polish Removal Kit is easy to use, infused with soy and botanical oils that remove gel polish in five easy steps. First, start by using the buffer to crack the top coat of gel polish. Next, apply the Cutex® Cuticle Barrier Cream to the cuticle and skin closest to the nail to provide added conditioning and protection from the acetone in the remover. After protecting the skin and cuticles, apply the gelled solution liberally on the nail and secure with a cotton-padded foil wrap, similar to a bandage. This process creates a catalyzing effect with the gel remover and the your body heat.

SUMMER NAIL TIPS FROM CUTEX

"There are so many opportunities to be outdoors during the summer and, while we know to protect our skin, protecting our nails is just as important,” said Barbara Hershfelt, Director of Sales and Marketing for Cutex®. “Nails may look beautiful on the surface but, to keep them healthy, it’s vital to care for what’s under the color."

1. Sunscreen isn’t just for the skin. Nails are made of protein and need as much protection as our skin does. When lathering on the sunscreen, remember those hands and feet – ­especially the cuticles. Cuticles serve a purpose; they seal in moisture and protect new nail growth as it emerges from the base of the nail. Sun, wind and sand can dry cuticles and nail folds (the areas of skin that frame your nails), which is bad for nail growth.

2. Cover your head and nails. Dermatologists recommend donning a baseball cap or cute floppy hat to shade the head and face from the sun’s harsh rays. Cutex® recommends coating nails with a polish, base coat or ridge-filler to protect nails against the elements. The Cutex® clear basecoat, Baseworx, contains biotin, the only supplement scientifically proven to improve nail health. Baseworx not only lengthens the life of manicures, it is also the perfect protection for those heading sea-side, where high salt and moisture can soften and split nails.

3. Keep infection at bay. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 50 percent of all nail disorders are caused by fungal infections. People tend to go swimming, exercise, and visit spas more often in summer. While those places are great for relaxing or keeping fit, any damp place – like a locker room – can breed fungus, so be sure to wear some type of footwear at all times when in public. Feet can also become hot and sweaty in the summer. Open-toed shoes or light sandals can help keep feet dry and healthy.

4. Oil-up to protect and moisturize. Dermatologists suggest coating hands and nails in natural oils to moisturize. When you’re looking to change polishes, reach for Cutex® Advanced Revival Nail Polish Remover. Named 2014’s Best Nail Polish Remover by NewBeauty Magazine, Advanced Revival combines the power of acetone with the nourishing and natural botanical oils of apricot seed, flax seed and perilla, for stronger, healthier nails. Plus, Advanced Revival removes polish twice as fast as other brands. That means more time to spend enjoying summer!

5. Dramatic nails? Ditch the harsh salon acetone for DIY removal. Do you take your nails to the extreme with gel or glitter polish? Extreme nails don’t have to mean extremely harsh nail polish remover. Try at-home removal with the new Cutex® Gel Polish Removal Kits or SPA Formula Nail Polish Remover. These products work as well as 100 percent acetone, yet moisturize and condition nails even after the first use.

6. Go Naked! Even with the best products, nails still need a rest. If your nails are brittle, break easily or just look unhealthy, dermatologists recommend ditching the polish for three months. Still need a little shine? Use Cutex® Baseworx, which uses bio-ceramic technology to bind to the protein in nails, strengthening them in the process.

Cutex® products are available to consumers throughout the United States at major chain stores, regional grocers, and online at CutexShop.com. Find Cutex® online at CutexNails.com and follow Cutex® on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

~Evelyn Lugo

FASHION WEEK FRIDAY: FASHION PALETTE

NYFW FALL/WINTER 2014/15:

PHILIPPA GALASSO, TIGHTOLOGY, STEVEN KHALIL, 

WITH REDKEN/CUTLER SALON AND AJ CRIMSON

It's Fashion Friday here, where as promised, I will take you back to the many backstage F/W 2014/15 shows I attended across NYC. Held at the Pier 59 Studios, I spent well over six hours hanging with REDKEN, Cutler Salon stylists, AJ Crimson, make-up artists, models and reps for the Fashion Palette show. Ultimately, I enjoyed the amazing fashion show FRONT ROW! The runway program was held in three sections: Philippa Galasso, Tightology and Steven Khalil. 

The highlight of my backstage experience, was when I walked past the models checking themselves out in the mirror. I asked them if they could "strike a pose for me" and they took off, making this exceptionally memorable. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I went on a shutter frenzy and want you to enjoy every backstage moment, just as I did: with 125 photos! 

BEAUTY: Shoshanna for Elizabeth Arden at Macy's

LIMITED EDITION SUMMER ESSENTIAL ALERT:

SHOSHANNA TEAMS UP WITH ELIZABETH ARDEN

Any sentence that includes Macy's, Elizabeth Arden and Shoshanna is bound to be amazing - and you can't go wrong! Elizabeth Arden is excited to announce the launch of new, limited edition Shoshanna for Elizabeth Arden Gift with Purchase Cosmetic Bags . Available now at Macy’s, beauty shoppers will receive the gift with a qualifying Elizabeth Arden purchase ($32.50), and can choose between Elizabeth Arden best-selling PREVAGE® or Ceramide packed versions!

This limited edition cosmetic bag available in 4 bold and bright colors: Fuchsia, Indigo, Caribbean Green and Black! Reps sent me my all-time fave (blue) and this bag is even cuter in person, with two compartments. 

S.O.S SKINCARE: MERLE NORMAN

THIRSTY OR SUNBURNED SUMMER SKIN? 

GET RELIEF WITH MERLE NORMAN ANTI-REDNESS CREAM

Between Memorial Day and 4th of July weekend, I'll admit that I've had my share of fun in the sun. It's never okay to overdo it (especially if you get sunburned) but if you're skin is already baked, consider this your "get out of jail free card": Merle Norman Anti-Redness Cream. My skin is in heaven after the hot sun and sand. I also use their Daily Moisture Cream, especially the days following my beach romps, when my skin is extra thirsty. 

SUMMER FRAGRANCE PICKS:

SEVEN SENSUAL SUMMER SCENTS: 

BURBERRY, ESCADA, GUCCI, GUESS, 
JIMMY CHOO, MARC JACOBS & VERA WANG

My summer is filled with maxi dresses, cookouts, beauty events, beaches and countless BBQ's, so it's no secret that I am always on the go, even with a busy work week. I absolutely love perfumes and a light spritz on a steamy day is okay, as long as you don't go overboard. When I decided to switch up my fragrance, my pals at FragranceNet.com helped me transition from spring to summer, with these sensual scents:

Vera Wang Lovestruck Floral Rush, Marc Jacobs Honey & Jimmy Choo Flash

FragranceNet.com offers free U.S shipping, has a huge variety of fragrances at discounted prices and they even offer 20% off their already low prices! Summer scents should be light, fruity and floral and I love whenever I get stopped and asked what perfume I'm wearing. Currently I'm rocking three of my "Seven Summer Scents", but let's check them all out:

PREVIEW: M∙A∙C The Simpsons Fall 2014

D-OH! M∙A∙C THE SIMPSONS AT SAN DIEGO'S COMIC-CON 
SATURDAY JULY, 26th EXCLUSIVE ONE DAY PRE-SALE 

“I must say that Lisa’s Spikes really works well with my skin tone and of course, Beehive Blue complements my hair perfectly,” says Marge.

Check out what's coming soon from M∙A∙C: The Simpsons! If you live in the San Diego area and plan to attend Comic-Con on Saturday, July 26th then you will get your chance to purchase #MACandMarge during this one-day pre-sale. This is only the sneak peek, as this 10-piece collection will include nail stickers, eye shadows, lip-glosses and lashes.

Where 

M∙A∙C Cosmetics 
Gaslamp

234 Fifth Avenue

San Diego, CA 92191

Springfield and the rest of us will wait until it's officially online at www.maccosmetics.com on August 28th and in stores on September 4th, 2014!

~Evelyn Lugo

4th OF JULY PATRIOTIC PRODUCT PICKS

BE FABULOUS & HAVE FUN WITH FIREWORKS, 

STARS & STRIPES BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Celebrate Americas birthday by paying tribute to the stars and stripes with spirited red, white and blue beauty essentials. Here are some great "Patriotic Product Picks" that are perfect for today (and all year round as well:) 

Kiss Me I'm American

Summer’s most striking accessory, the classic red lip, will immediately elevate your 4th of July look, adding sexiness and a dash of old Hollywood glamour. Try jane iredale PureMoist Lipstick in Margi ($25 at janeiredale.com) for a vivid, semi-matte look or jane iredale PureGloss Lip Gloss in Red Currant ($24 at janeiredale.com) for long-lasting shine. All jane iredale products are made in the United States.

The Smell of Freedom

HAIR: CURLY TWIRLS

LYSIUM INTRODUCES: CURLY TWIRLS FOR CURLY HAIR, COILS & NATURAL WAVES

When LYSIUM reached out and ask me to review their new product for curly and naturally wavy hair I was totally on board. Curls are clearly my thing and I wash my hair a lot, sometimes daily (yes, I know you're not supposed to but I need fresh curls!) Curly Twirls Shampoo, Conditioner and Leave-In Conditioner were the three products I received from this amazing new line. I need products that moisturize my thirsty hair and these definitely made the cut. After testing these products, I decided to use the leave-in conditioner in place of my hair gel and I was impressed at how tamed my mane was: 

No product, only used Leave-In / Detangler