PREVIEW: OPI & 50 Shades of Grey Nail Collaboration

OPI & FIFTY SHADES OF GREY

COLLECTION JANUARY 2015

New Year, NEW COLLECTION: Check out what OPI is launching tomorrow January 1, 2015: Fifty Shades of Grey ($9.50 each for the full-sized bottles.) OPI is launching this collection one month ahead of the February movie release but don't expect 50 actual shades of grey nail polish, just 5 actually and one stunning red. You can get this collection in both full bottle and a 6-pc mini set at salons, as well as ulta.com and opi.com. ~Photo credits: OPI

NYE 2014: Carol's Daughter, Burt's Bees & Dana's Bakery

THREE 2014 BEST & BEAUTY MOMENTS: 

BURT'S BEES, CAROL'S DAUGHTER 

DANA'S BAKERY

The year is almost over, but here are three wonderful brands made it quite memorable. In this case, it's never "out with the old", but rather "look at what's NEW!" This NYE, I just may be quenching my curls, while popping Dana's Bakery macarons into my pampered Burt's Bees pout! In 2014, Carol’s Daughter transformed the hair of people with curly hair with the new Marula Curl Therapy Collection, but also became a part of the L’Oreal family. Burt’s Bees changed their lip color game with the new Burt’s Bees Lip Crayons. And for Dana’s Bakery, Dana Loia opened a new Mac Bar at Gansevoort Market and brought many smiles to customers worldwide.

Champagne Celebration Goodies from Dana's Bakery!

M∙A∙C Studio Conceal & Correct

M∙A∙C COSMETICS 

STUDIO CONCEAL & CORRECT

AVAILABLE NOW IN THE PERMANENT LINE

Conceal, correct and perfect just like the pros. New Studio Finish Concealer Duo features the iconic M∙A∙C Studio Conceal and Correct formula in complementary pairs, delivering exceptional color and coverage in customizable hues. Lasting up to eight hours, the lightweight, highly concentrated formula helps conceal dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Pair with Studio Chromagraphic Pencils, which work as an eyeliner, or to sculpt and define the face and body, for a look that’s photo-ready in no time. 

Available in-store December 26, 2014 in the permanent line

M∙A∙C Studio Nail Lacquer

PREVIEW: M∙A∙C STUDIO NAIL LACQUER

LAUNCHING JANUARY 2015

$12.00 US / $14.00 CAD

Here is a sneak peak at the sixteen stunning new shades joining the M∙A∙C Studio Nail Lacquer collection online at maccosmetics.com on January 5, 2015:

COTY Holiday Fragrance Event Recap

COTY HOLIDAY GIFT SETS: 

GUESS, LADY GAGA, KATY PERRY

If you still need some last minute holiday gifts, COTY has a fragrance gift set that fits everyone on your list. You can tailor your gift for every taste and personality, with these perfect premium gift sets for him or her. From the hopeless romantic, to the timeless gentleman or for that rugged man; these gift sets are available at mass drugstores nationwide. 

I attended COTY's holiday fragrance launch last month and previewed each of the gift sets, spraying and sampling my little heart (and nose) away. Check out the fab displays: 

Brows: RevitaLash & Uni K Tweezers.

BOLD BROWS: 

REVITALASH HI-DEF TINTED BROW GEL 

& UNI K WAX CENTER TWEEZERS

Bold brows are definitely back and from the looks of it, here to stay. Just take a look at model Cara Delevingne - she has stunning brows, as did many other models backstage during NYFW. They were sporting these beautiful, full brows and it was right then and there, that I decided to let mine grow. It's no secret that I favor tweezing as I've never waxed them and boy am I glad I don't. Why? Well, the heat from the wax relaxes your brow muscle and then the ripping motion will lead to sagging brows over time. Another reason why I love bold brows? Thinner brows do make you look older. 

Model prep backstage at NYFW

Here are two products that have helped me bring back my bold brows: RevitaLash Hi-Def Tinted Brow Gel ($32 7.4m. - 2 month supply) and Uni K Wax Center High Precision Tweezers ($11 - perfect for those pesky strays.) What did I do? Nothing, I just let my brows go all "caveman" and since my hair is curly, I didn't have the luxury of hiding behind bangs (longest 2 and ½ months ever!) I did have the help of many hats, which I wore pulled down to my brows for events, lol! Nude eye shadow also helped cover up.

Before: much thinner...

No more pencil fill-in for me!

M∙A∙C: New Prep + Prime Additions

M∙A∙C COSMETICS 
PREP + PRIME BLEMISH CONTROL GEL &

PREP + PRIME 24-HOUR EXTENDED EYE BASE

M∙A∙C is introducing two new products to their Prep + Prime collection. One is specifically formulated to prolong the look of your makeup, and the other to treat imperfections for smooth, clear skin.  

Introducing: M∙A∙C Lightness of Being

PREVIEW: M∙A∙C LIGHTNESS OF BEING

AVAILABLE ONLINE DECEMBER 23, 2014

Poetic colour ushers in a new vitality following winter’s deep chill, as uninhibited shades dance across the face in a free-spirited M∙A∙C Lightness of Being, inspired by whimsical flights of fancy. Liberate yourself from darkened tones and explore the freeform movement of frosted lavender, pearlized champagne and pale mint green. Eyes and cheeks explore a new lightness of being in sheer pastels, a perfect complement to rosy lips. Nails leave you free to be, in hushed beige and lavender - Expressive colour for the modern spirit.

Available in-store December 26, 2014 – February 6, 2015

MINERALIZE RICH LIPSTICK

($22.00 US/ $26.00 CAD)

1. Be Fabulous - washed-out pastel pink

2. Luxe Natural - light beige cream

3. Dreaminess - soft cool pink cream

4. Style Surge - neutral coral cream

5. Touch The Earth - light wood brown

MINERALIZE GLASS

($22.00 US / $26.00 CAD)

1. Poetic - pale champagne pink with pearl

2. Loose & Lively - peachy orange

3. On Cue - gold pearl

4. Boundless Energy - violet pink

5. Beautiful Moves - pale mint with pearl

MINERALIZE EYE SHADOW

($22.00 US / $26.00 CAD)

1. Spiritual Life - shimmery pale lemon (half pearl/half frost)

2. Natural Vigor - shimmery Champagne Peach (half pearl/half frost)

3. Just Breathe - shimmery light blue (half pearl/half frost)

4. Uninhibited - shimmery light grey (half pearl/half frost)

5. Leap - shimmery lavender (half pearl/half frost)

6. Force Of Nature - shimmery brown (half pearl/half frost)

EYE PENCIL

($16.00 US / $19.00 CAD)

1. Taupe - dark brown

2. Slate - dark grey

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH

($32.00 US / $37.00 CAD)

1. Lightscapage - shimmery pale peach with lavender marble

2. Perfect Topping - shimmery off-white with light pink/blue/yellow marble

MINERALIZE BLUSH

($27.00 US / $32.00 CAD)

1. Uplifting - peach with bright orange marble

2. Please Yourself - light pink with plum marble

M∙A∙C STUDIO NAIL LACQUER

($12.00 US / $14.00 CAD)

1. Lightness of Being - pale beige

2. Modern Movement - pale lavender

BRUSHES

287 Duo Fibre Eye Shadow

($32.00 US / $38.50 CAD)

159 Duo Brush Fibre Blush
($35.00 US / $42.00 CAD)

187 Duo Fibre Face
($42.00 US / $50.50 CAD)

M∙A∙C Lightness of Being is available online at maccosmetics.com December 23, 2014 and in-store December 26, 2014 – February 6, 2015. 

Dove Beauty Event Recap & GIVEAWAY!

DOVE & ALLURE BEAUTY BAR EVENT & 

GIVEAWAY: WIN A YEAR'S WORTH OF DOVE 

BODY WASH OR BEAUTY BARS!

#DoveBeautyBar

Last week, I attended the Allure-sponsored Dove Build Your Own Beauty Bar at De Berardinis Salon and what an amazing event it was! Guests stocked up on this season's beauty essentials, got express manis with festive nail art and even created their very own custom lipstick (I chose a stunning deep burgundy shade!) Allure Beauty Director Jenny Bailly and renowned Dermatologist Dr. Ellen Marmur were also present, speaking with guests and giving winter skincare consultations respectively. The rest of the evening we sipped, enjoyed sweets (loved the dove-shaped pizzas) and I of course, hogged the photo booth! 

Dove Beauty Rx

#MACHautecore Lipstick

M∙A∙C HAUTECORE 

LIPSTICK IS BACK!

Go Hautecore with our cult Lipstick! Available exclusively online December 16th, for one day only, M∙A∙C Hautecore makes a rare stealth cameo in a true black matte. Shop now: http://bit.ly/MACHautecore.

Alex and Ani & Anne V. Online Shopping Event

ALEX AND ANI AND ANNE V 

TEAM UP TO SUPPORT ONE

Calling all #charmedarms #alexandaniobsessed dolls: Alex and Ani is excited to launch the first-ever online Charmed by Charity shopping event WEDNESDAY, December 17th; co-hosted by model Anne V, from 12:00 am EST on December 16th, to 12:00 am PST, December 17th. 15% of proceeds made through www.alexandani.com will be donated to The ONE Campaign with promo code ANNEVONE6 at checkout.

The ONE Campaign is an international campaigning and advocacy organization of more than 6 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease. Together, with model Anne V., Alex and Ani is helping to spread awareness and support for global health and wellness.

See more ways that Alex and Ani is working together with Anne V. in this behind the scenes video

Nails: Oxygen's NAIL'D IT WINNER

WINNER OF OXYGEN'S COMPETITION
SERIES NAIL’D IT:
ASHLEY CRAIG

Photo Credit: Lindsey Byrnes

December 10, 2014 – #nailedit! Emerging nail artist Ashley Craig (Fort Myers, FL) was declared the winner on last night’s finale of Oxygen Media’s innovative and creative competition series “Nail’d It”. Craig’s passion and talent prevailed as she won the coveted title and a grand prize of $100,000 along with a cover story in the March/April 2015 issue of Nail It! magazine. As a single mother, she plans to use the money to provide a better life for her seven-year-old daughter and further pursue her dreams of being an artist. Hosted by fashionista Adrienne Bailon (“The Real”), the competition series pitted 18 of the best up-and-coming nail artists against one another for the chance to win a life-changing opportunity.

“Ashley really showed her versatility, phenomenal skills and creative talent throughout the season,” said Bailon. “She was eager, humble and determined to win.”

NAIL'D It host Adrienne Bailon

Nails: Happy Hands Gloves

PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH HAPPY HANDS

THE ORIGINAL UV NAIL GLOVE

I always wonder, how long until my dolls complain about premature aging of their hands (or worse), after years of UV lamps use for their shellac/gel manicures? Believe it or not, I've never had a gel mani, mainly in part because I can't commit to a nail color for two weeks (two days is too much for me), but also because I worry about the harmful UV rays. Well, now you don't have to worry, thanks to Happy Hands, The Original UV Nail Glove!

Yummy treats at the BeautyPress boat ride this past summer..

The Body Shop Holiday #GREENMONDAY

THE BODY SHOPS KEEP THE FEEL-GOOD GIVING 
GOING WITH #GREENMONDAY

GREEN MONDAY (12/8-12/10)- This year, The Body Shop is all about making wishes come true with our biggest gift selection ever! Help spread holiday joy for you, your loved ones or a child in need, through our partnership with War Child. Green Monday is another chance to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Just like our Cyber Monday deal, receive 50% off sitewide, free shipping, and a $20 value free gift with a $50 purchase. But even better, receive $10 off Small & Medium Box Gifts, 2 FOR $15 Gift Cubes & Tubes, and 25% OFF all other Seasonal Gifts!

L'OCCITANE Holiday Gifts

GREAT GIFT IDEAS TO CELEBRATE 

THE HOLIDAYS FROM L'OCCITANE 

If you're still stuck on holiday gift ideas, either for the Secret Santa at the office or a gift for that beauty lover in your life, here are two super cute one from L'OCCITANE: Advent Calendar & Holiday Ornaments!

Advent Calendar:
This 13 Desserts of Provence gift set ($68) includes the best of L’OCCITANE’s miniature delights. Inspired by the Provencal holiday tradition, this adorable advent calendar is sure to please any crowd by delivering a darling treat on each of the 13 days leading up to the holidays (available via web only.) 

Christmas Tree Ornament
Our Shea Butter Travel Treats ($20) will keep toes and hands warm and happy this holiday season. This chic set, complete with a Shea Butter Hand Cream and Shea Butter Foot Cream, doubles as an adorable ornament that will brighten any tree!

To see these and other great L'OCCITANE holiday gift ideas, please visit www.Loccitane.com.

~Evelyn Lugo

Pantone 2015 Color of The Year

ELIZABETH ARDEN & PANTONE 2015 

COLOR OF THE YEAR: MARSALA

I can't say that I was surprised when Pantone announced their 2015 Color of the Year: Marsala. It's a stunning shade that has been dominating since NYFW in September, so much that even I myself have been rocking wine lips and nails lately. At Elizabeth Arden they don’t want you to just wear the Pantone color of the year, but wear it beautifully with Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color collection. 

Earthy, wine lips…stunning, warm eyes…you can get ahead of the trend with Elizabeth Arden’s Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Beauty and Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Spice. These buildable shades flatter all skin tones and boast both immediate and long-term skincare benefits.

Pacifica 7 Free Nail Polish

NEW PACIFICA 7-FREE & 

100% VEGAN NAIL POLISH

Pacifica just added a new category to their effortless beauty collection: 7 Free nail polish What is 7-Free? Polishes that are free from harsh toxic chemicals, which is important as I am constantly changing my nail color (two weeks with color just doesn't happen with me, I do so daily!) A nail polish that is natural, vegan and 7-free (formulated without phthalates [dibutyl phthalate] toluene, xylene, parabens, camphor, formaldehyde, resin and animal by products) is definitely at the top of this fingertip-fashionistas list!