Beauty Maverick

Shu Uemura Glow On Rouge in Tranquil Pink

Tranquil Pink is the perfect name for this soft, subtle shade of rose. It's universally flattering, and settles on (or into) the skin beautifully.

Retailer: Sephora.com
Cost: $21.00

BeautyBlitz & Eau-Lections

Last night, I stopped by Underbar for the launch of BeautyBlitz, Polly Blitzer's highly anticipated online beauty magazine.  If you can't quite place Polly, she's been an editor at top publications, like InStyle, and thus introduced us to countless beauty finds over the years. She's absolutely brilliant. And, as it happens, quite charming as well.

The party itself was lovely, with over 700 people in attendance to celebrate Polly's new venture (which goes live in April). Most of us spent the evening with one hand holding a flute of St.Germain and bubbly, and the other receiving a hand massage from a Bliss esthetician. Every Tuesday should end this way.

There was also an 'Eau-Lection' being conducted by Bliss at the event, to see which of their new fragrances is most popular with the public. Anyone can vote in-store/online, and the winning scent will be stocked at W Hotels nationwide. Cool, no?

The scents:
Fresh- Ginger & Dewy Greens
Spicy- Citrus & Nutmeg (my pick)
Vibrant- Blood Orange & White Pepper

If you too want to cast your vote, head over to the W Hotel in midtown on March 13th b/w 7:00pm & 9:00pm for a ballot (and a few yummy cocktails inspired by the fragrances). If you're not in NYC or can't be bothered, click here to vote online.

Cheers!

W Hotel
451 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10022
(212) 755-1200

The Many Mysteries of Matte

A matte finish to the skin can be extremely elegant, but also a bit tricky to achieve as you don't really want to age yourself... Which can often happen.

To sort out what works best, I've tried endless combinations of products and techniques, and found the following to be essential for the perfect (non-cakey or overly-done) finish:

Use a primer
I'm obsessed with YSL Matt Touch (thanks to Pat McGrath); It provides a great base for this look.

Choose a lightweight matte foundation
Chanel Mat Lumiere SPF 15 creates a 'naturally' flawless complexion with a lovely matte finish.

Ensure your t-zone is under control
I use M.A.C Matte (a clear matte-ifying gel) above my brows, over my nose, and on my chin to keep shine at bay.

Use a cream-based eyeshadow and lip color
To add texture (and ensure you don't look flat), opt for an eyeshadow and lip color that have a subtle sheen/shimmer to them.

Apply rouge with a light hand
Keep this look ethereal by lightly applying a soft shade of rouge (like a cotton candy pink or an apricot), with a matte finish.

Touch-up with blotting paper
Bobbi Brown Blotting Papers are a great alternative to powder as they leave no trace of product on the skin and quickly dull shine.

Have any stellar matte-ifying tips? Let us know! xx

Gifting, Simplified.

Q: What do you gift someone to celebrate when flowers aren't quite right, champagne is inappropriate or been done, and a card alone just doesn't cut it?

A: Bubbly by Philosophy! This deliciously scented 3-in-1 Shampoo, Body Wash, & Bubble Bath is inspired by its namesake and comes ready-to-gift in a cute congratulatory box. Keep a couple bottles of Bubbly handy, and you'll always be prepared for all those parties, showers, and celebrations that seem to pop-up at a moment's notice.

Retailer: Philosophy.com
Cost: $20.00

In Full Bloom

Choice scents for Spring.

Hermès Kelly Caleche EdT $80-$115
Chanel Chance Eau Fraîche $82
Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Cologne $50-$95
L'Artisan Parfumeur Fou D'Absinthe $115-$135
Yosh Sottile $130
Fresh Cannabis Rose EdP $75

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask

I can't get enough of this foamy, tingly concoction. It's insanely addictive.

The Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask basically mimics the famous Bliss Spa treatment, in five minutes. Yes, you read correctly. Forget scheduling, parking, healing... This flash-action masque can give you a gorgeous glow in less time than it takes to choose your knickers for the day.

It works by soaking your skin in 02, Vitamin C, detoxifiers, free-radical blasters, and nourishing moisturizers. Your complexion is instantly revived and left looking luminous. I couldn't believe the difference in my skin tone after only one use; I was glowing like a school girl with quite the crush.

Use the TOIE Mask up to 3 times a week to:
- Heal breakouts (it zaps zits like nobody's business)
- Reduce fine lines
- Restore a glow to your complexions when it's sullen/dull/overworked/over-partied
- Slather on your guy's face to reduce razor bumps & ingrown hairs

Retailer: BlissWorld.com
Cost: $52.00

Get Thee to the Bar

... Lash bar, that is. Laura Mercier has just launched her first ever this week at Bendel's, so you know where I'll be over the weekend.

They're offering full, side, and center sets, so you can embrace your inner Edie or subtly enhance your fabulous self. The best part: This service is free when you purchase a set of Laura Mercier lashes ($18), $15 if you bring your own, and $25 if you'd like a full-on lesson in lashes and application. It's the perfect afternoon pick-me-up (after Pimms & lemonade, of course).

See you there!

Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019

The (Right) Way to Rock Hair Extensions

I can't seem to avoid the frightful sight of bad hair extensions; They're lurking around every corner. Frizzy roots, visible tracks, mismatched textures- it's a jungle out there.

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for playing with color, length, and style; Hair is an accessory, after all. But if you're looking to garner attention for your beauty (and not your fillers), there are a few golden rules to live by...

To get these key tips & techniques, I called on two of my favorite hair care experts, Ken Paves and Oscar Blandi. Memorize their mantra of dos/donts (below), and you're sure to master the art of extensions.

Tips for Temporary (Clip-In) Hair Extensions from Superstylist
Ken Paves

Do:

- Choose a texture that matches your natural texture or the texture you want to achieve, as well as a color that blends.

- Use your extensions as an accessory to your look, for example, HairDo allows you to try shorter, trendier styles without making a permanent commitment.

- Try a shade lighter or darker, which still blends with your color, to test a new shade.

- Only wear hair extensions with confidence.

Don't:

- Go to the extreme...too long, too thick, too light, too dark, too something your hair is not.

- Let your hair wear you, you wear the hair.

- Take on more than you can handle.

Tips for Semi-Permanent (Woven-In) Hair Extensions from Renowned Celebrity Stylist Oscar Blandi

Do:

- Always use human hair.

- Go to a professional at a salon. They'll be able to place the extensions in the best locations possible, so they will lay more naturally.

- Always buy wavy extensions if your hair is naturally wavy, so you can leave it natural if you choose.

- Use a curling iron to achieve big sexy curls or a loose beach wave, so the extensions blend in with your own hair. Oscar Blandi Wave Enhancing Spray is great to use for both these looks, as it’s a light mist that won’t weigh the hair down.

Don’t:

- Wear your hair half-up to avoid being able to see the woven track where the extensions are laid.

- Wash them too often because then the tracks will loosen. The less you wash your hair, the longer it will last.

- Keep them in longer than a month to six weeks (maximum) before changing them out.

- Use too much product with extensions because it can cause a greasy effect. Hairspray will work, as will the Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray (but be sure to still rub it in gently to avoid a powdered look).

Paul & Joe Nail Enamel Remover

Nail polishes often come in fun and flirtatious packaging, but removers are generally overlooked (meaning they're housed in hideous made-for-the-back-of-the-cabinet bottles). It's quite odd really. I think the process of painting your nails should be as enjoyable as the result, and it seems that Paul & Joe agree.

Their (adorably packaged) Nail Enamel Remover works quickly to dissolve polish, and leaves your nails feeling conditioned rather than stripped. In other words, it's a product that's pretty to look at and actually works.

Retailer: Paul-Joe-Beaute.com
Cost: $15.00