Lady Gaga's Newest Jewelry Designer, Ken Borochov of Mordekai

Office-Gasping Everyday Eyes

In my working-world filled with women, we usually get the office with clean makeup-free faces.  The second we hit that desk chair, our makeup bag is out and we throw together the easiest, quickest makeup routine.  And I work in beauty!

Let’s be real, at the end of the day you’re back to that pasty-white skin.  Your bronzer has faded, lipstick never stays and the under eye bags have resurrected.  One element will last…show-stopping eyes.  No eye shadow required (unless you’re a Naked Pallet guru), I’m here to give you my favorite products for flawless eyes, in 5 minutes flat.

If nothing else, your eyelashes HAVE to look amazing.  If I were stranded on a desert island, only allowed to bring 3 items, one would be my eyelash curler.  Crazy, I know, but I think eyelashes are one of (if not the most) important feature on your face. 

Have you ever received comments on your eyelashes?  Well you should- and im not talking about this new eyelash extension trend but your all natural lashes.  Most woman aren’t blessed with Kim Kardashian lashes, so the little trick that works wonders is RevitaLash. Three years ago I used this product every night before bed and my lashes still look like falsies.  You apply RevitaLash like liquid eyeliner for as long as you can (I lasted a year…maybe) and you’ll wake up one day with long, healthy, flawless lashes. 

http://www.drugstore.com/revitalash-advanced-eyelash-conditioner/qxp387245

As I’ve already stated, an eyelash curler is a must.  I use the Shiseido Eyelash Curler to curl my lashes before I put on my mascara and after for that extra oomph.  Here’s my fave:

http://www.sephora.com/eyelash-curler-P244437?skuId=1201474

A great mascara is essential.  I use this unbelievable Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara that you can find at Sephora which offers perfect thickness, not too clumpy and makes your lashes pop.

http://www.sephora.com/noir-couture-P375170?skuId=1442607

Highlighter sounds complicated but I’ve found the perfect solution.  Boom Boom Push-Up Brow is a pencil that offers a matte side for the arch of your brow and a shimmer side to highlight the inside of my eye. 

http://boomboom.myshopify.com/products/push-up-brow-highlighting-pencil

Lastly, if you’re an eyeliner person (sometimes I love it, sometimes I want that clean look) I use the Make Up For Ever eyeliner.  It’s inexpensive, smooth and long-lasting plus it comes in every color!  Mix it up sometimes.  I love navy. 

http://www.sephora.com/aqua-eyes-P35082?skuId=988899

The New Do

There is another new hair trend on the market and it’s not what you’re thinking.  No… not hombre or a cute new Jennifer Aniston cut… it’s hair accessories!  These new trendy fashion hair transformers are hitting the market with a bang.  Summer hair has never been cuter.  

No one has ever thought anything of hair ties but it’s time to start putting some thought into it.  Hair ties are always in our hair or on our wrists.  You wouldn’t wear a bracelet you didn’t like so why adorn your wrist with an ugly hair tie.  These new ties (which I’m sure you have seen on almost everyone by now) do not only come in the cutest colors but they have a little extra fabric that offers a sweet bow at the top of your pony.  To top it off, these ties won’t ever pull on your hair creating the perfect ponytail.  

Anthropology- Multitude Hair Ties $12.00

Just like hair ties, bobby pins are just as important for your entire look. We all know “blend in” bobby pins are not-so-hidden, so let’s show them off!  These gummy bear looking bobbies are perfect for creating a signature look. 

 

Anthropology- Bobby Pin Set $15.00

The boho look of a hariwrap wilol spice up your style and essectial for hitting the beach.  Put it over any type of hair… dirty, clean, straight, curly… it’s always a look.  If you don’t want to buy a wrap, grab a scarf and make it your own.  Have fun with it!

Urban Outfitters- Tie-Dye Knot Headwrap

Become a real life Jasmine from Disney’s “Aladdin” with this new hair trend!  Every girl has a thing for Disney Princesses so here is the best of both worlds.  The headdress is beautiful and makes you stand out in any crowd. 

 

Urban Outfitters- Rhinestone Goddess Chain Headdress $24.00

Built Among the Beeping

There was something to brighten up a New York City gloomy Tuesday afternoon.  The Country Living “Room to Spare” was tucked away in Battery Park City near the Financial District (let me tell you it was not easy to find) but worth the search.  

Country Living created the 2012 House of the Year built by Affinity Building Systems.  The “Room to Spare” brings that country feel to the busy New York City streets.  Normally displayed with just one cottage, this year the editors of Country Living designed three micro-cottages that were placed within steps from each other.   Not only did the editors have a hand in the quaint finishes, but guest designers and experts Thomas Paul, Marcus Samuelsson and Ruard Veltman decorated and styled the look.  From the bathroom to the kitchen to the guest bedroom, each was adorned with the finest appliances, interior design and looks for the season.  Each cottage was small, running less than 1000 square feet, but remained quite roomy, tasteful and incredibly efficient.

“Comfortable, simple, honest” is the motto of Ballard Designs, the interior furnishings sponsor of the 2012 Country Living Home of the Year.  The three micro-cottages included a guest bedroom, kitchen/outdoor dining and studio/office. There was even a country scent in each cottage of freshly placed wood and new appliances.  Each room was fabulously designed with the perfect rustic feel with the interesting and disconnected sound of taxis beeping all around you.

The excitement doesn’t have to end in the famous city.  The entire “Room to Spare” can be yours all intact. It can be purchased and moved to your location to make you the most stylish neighbor on the block.    

The “Room to Spare” exhibit was dismantled just after my visit, but you can check out the feature in the September 2012 issue of Country Living!

CND's Lovely Ladyfingers

CND has done it again!  If you hadn’t noticed, CND controlled the runway in the nail department during Fall 2012 Fashion Week in New York and London.  Not only does this collection burst with color, combine metallics and add creamy nudes, CND worked with 22 global designers such as Victoria Beckham, Moschino and Theory to create the ultimate VIP look.  

CND fashioned the different colors into three categories.  “Gypsy Glam” is the colorful bohemian look that adds an exotic flare with graphic patterns.  “Time Warp,” designed for Nicole Miller, spins you into the fabulous color wheel of CND.  “Femme Noir” ices the edges of your nails with metallics to craft a sharp retro-feel like the manicures from Alexandre Herchcovitch called “Midas Touch”.  Lastly, “Vintage Nude” gives that pearly, fluffy and sweet look to keep the nails looking clean and sophisticated.  Christian Cota was inspired by the drying clay in the Mexican desert so CND created the “Terra Cotta” look that scorched the runway.  

You can never go wrong with the natural look of “Marshmallow Rose” or the glam look of “Cool Opaque”.  CND takes care of you with any palate you are looking for.  CND Colour retails at $9.00 per bottle.  Go grab a few!

Frank Barbosa in his World of Beauty

Frank Barbosa is a name known to many celebrities as the GO TO guy for great hair.  He has dressed the tresses for some of my favorite stars in some of the hottest movies.  As hair department lead for “Bride Wars” and “The Sorcerer's Apprentice”, he is capable of creating pretty AND interesting silhouettes on his female leads.  But many male leads have relied on his skills as well....like Viggo Mortensen in “The People Speak” and Ewan McGregor in "The Corrections", to be released next year.  Not only was he the big cheese in the beauty trailer, but Frank even made a couple of cameo appearances, one being in my favorite movie, "Sex and The City 2", where he was the department head as well as stylist to Sarah Jessica Parker.

The petite and tasteful Frank Antonio Salon, which he owns with co-owner Antonio (who does not use a last name), is situated in the petite and tasteful state of Rhode Island.  As it should be, the salon is in Newport, home to the famed mansions which include THE BREAKERS, the breathtaking waterfront 70 room summer estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, ROSECLIFF, the terre cotta "house" created by Tessie Oelrichs, and my favorite, the MARBLE HOUSE (inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles) containing 500,000 cubic feet of marble. This summer haven is something special and so is the salon.  Just five stations and nestled in the heart of the shopping district, it offers a comfortable flow for his clients that range from Newport socialites to many New Yorkers who trek up for their Frank Barbosa cut and color fix.  Are they fazed by the many pictures of Frank and his celebrity clientele? "No," he says. "They love looking at the pictures!" You can’t miss the photo of Ann Hathaway in cherry red foils...the focal point of the shampoo area!

I asked Frank to fill me in on some of his MUST HAVE products and tools that he uses to beautify his clients, both celeb and real.  First, Barbosa chose the Karite No Rinse Repairing Serum by Rene Furterer.  He says it "leaves a gorgeous gloss while eliminating dry ends."  Secondly, he shared his favorite FIND: the Paul Yacomine's Micro Colour Collection Intensive Leave-in and Finishing Treatment which is only found in select Sephora stores.  "These three mini products in one combine to create a non-greasy gorgeous shine," he said as he rubbed some onto the ends of my hair. "I use them on most of my clients."  Lastly, his favorite tool is the Sultra Iron where he uses the flat iron to create natural flowing waves.  With a little hunting, most of these can be found at Sephora.  Whoever said it was easy finding products to up the gorgeous factor?

Naturally Frank offered up a trend report. TEXTURE! "I expect to be seeing lots of texture this season," he says. "All kinds of texture. We now have the products and tools to make it all look great."

Yes girls, cut out or switch up your early morning ironing routine. You are now safe to go all natural.  Barbosa says that beachy waves are the way to go and he knows best, Mr. Newport himself.

My Maybelline interview at NYC Fashion Week

The swirl of fashion in the famous tents at New York City's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was not the only sight to be seen.  Even enveloped in the wonderful chaos, the Maybelline counter stood out. The fresh new color and product line (including free give-aways) was where I had to be! 

Mary, the Maybelline expert behind the counter, tells me about Maybelline's exciting new eyeliner, mascara and gorgeous red lipstick.  She even shares a couple hints on how to keep red lipstick from smearing and how to create the sultry Angelina Jolie winged eyeliner look.  Check it out!