Holiday Nails

Dec 13, 2010

A hint of shimmer is always healthy for the holidays, and your nails are the perfect place for it. Right now I’m loving these CND’s Colour Effects metallic polishes. Metallics have been around for awhile, but these shades are spot on. The opaque formulas give you full coverage and their super shiny, not glittery, finish creates a futuristic look that’s very high fashion. I’m wearing Gold Chrome on my nails and Copper Chrome on my toes.

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Holiday Gift Guide

Dec 1, 2010

Makeup Lover (top left): If you like “all you can eat” buffets, you’ll love Sephora’s Blockbuster Palette with 187 makeup items. $48 ($435 value); www.sephora.com. Art Enthusiast (top right): For someone who appreciates form and function: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps formula is the most moisturizing and now has the most beautiful packaging, too. Tulips, artwork of contemporary artst Jeff Koons adorn the limited-edition bottles that range from $27-$70. Proceeds will be donated to The Koons Family Institute, a center for missing children. www.kiehls.com. Fashionista (center):Beyonce meant it when she said “Put a ring on it.” Her sexy fragrance now comes in a solid that’s housed in a chic cocktail ring. $35; available at Macy’s. Safe Bet (bottom right):Gifting a candle is no longer lame. These glamorous Molton Brown medio candelas are anything but generic. They’re made with essential oils, come in variety of scents and are extremely handsome. $49, each; www.moltonbrown.com. Dirty Santa (bottom left):This temporary tattoo is one way to wish him a happy holiday. $12.95; www.tatatoos.com.

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Whooga Giveaway Winners Announced

Dec 1, 2010

Thanks to everyone who entered the winter boot giveaway. Congrats to Maggie and Marcy, who will be keeping their tootsies warm this winter in a new pair of Whoogas. Stay tuned for more great Beauty Girl giveaways!

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BGTV: 5-Minute Makeup Routine

Nov 30, 2010

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AMA’s Best Celebrity Hairstyles

Nov 22, 2010

After hearing the live performances on the American Music Awards, it became obvious you don’t have to be a good singer to be famous. You just need autotunes…and great hair. Celebrities were parting ways on the red carpet, showing off sleek locks slicked into harsh side and middle parts. While I’m a fan of Honor’s mom Jessica Alba’s strong ‘do and Katy Perry’s deep side part, Taylor Swift’s straight mane and edgy bangs win the award for best hair in my book. Which celeb style is your favorite?

  • Katy Perry (40 votes)
  • Taylor Swift (50 votes)
  • Jessica Alba (15 votes)

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Tuesday Giveaway: Win Whooga Boots — the New Uggs!

Nov 16, 2010

I cheated. The first day I felt a tinge of guilt. However, I’m so smitten, I’m going public with my new love affair and revealing my latest find to all of you — Whoogas! Whoogas are the new Uggs. I never thought I’d find a boot I’d be more attached to than my comfy Uggs. Then again, I never thought I’d go blonde. Whoogas are made by an Australian company that uses Australian merino fleece. They look very similar to their competitors and ship directly form China just like major Ugg labels. So why my change of heart? When Whooga first contacted me to try out a pair, I was skeptical. I was happy with my Uggs (I’m not a commitment-phoebe who’s always looking for the next best thing). But, I indulged the offer and picked out a pair of the Short Gold Sheepskin Boots (shown above). I don’t like to think of myself as easy, but as soon as I slipped them on, I was sold. They’re lightweight and cushiony. Even if you wanted to wear socks, I recommend you don’t because the soft inner fleece feels like a blanket on your feet. And I have to say, they’re amazingly good looking. The brushed metallic finish gives them a stylish edge that has earned me so many compliments, you’d think I was wearing $600 designer shoes! I want to share the love so I’m giving 2 people the chance to win a pair of the $129 Short Gold Sheepskin Whoogas.

To enter to win, comment on this post with your shoe size, follow me on twitter (twitter.com/NPTheBeautyGirl) and RT this message.

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Best Workout Pants

Nov 8, 2010

Lululemon is the Barneys of activewear. The clothes are very expensive, or some may say, overpriced, which is why I choked at the idea of spending $98 on workout pants. Someone should pay ME to workout!

Lucky for me, I was shopping with my mom, and she encouraged me to try on the Groove pant. I quickly saw why these black yoga/workout pants are a constant best seller even with such a big price tag. The slight bootcut is flattering on all body types, the comfy material has a bit of stretch but also enough tension to suck you in so your thighs and tush look cute, the wide waistband stays put when you’re running so you don’t have to worry about plumber butt on the treadmill, and there’s even a hidden pocket for a cell phone, which I just discovered, that’s built right into the waistband.

These pants have become my preferred uniform for working out and bumming around. I’ve washed them enough times to know they retain their shape and are definitely worth the splurge — even though this time I didn’t have to purchase them myself.

Thanks mom!

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Shop & Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Oct 15, 2010
Breast cancer is always top of mind, but there are only a couple weeks left to buy limited-edition products that donate to the cause. Before Breast Cancer Awareness month officially ends, take your pick from these great items whose proceeds support the fight. michaelkorsMichael Kors Very Hollywood Eau De Parfum Rollerball/Lipgloss Duo, $18.verawangKohl’s Cares Simply Vera Vera Wang Multistrand necklace, $5.sukiSuki Exfoliate Foaming Body Cleanser, a favorite of celebs including Eva Longoria and Jennie Garth. $31.95.blushpowder_swatch370_smAubrey Organics Silken Earth Powder Blush in Starlight Pink, $11.95. E-beauty boutique LoveHue.com will donate 20% of sales of this blush purchased on the site to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. scarfLindsay Phillips dip-dyed Belleview Scarf in Orange/Pink, $25. 25% of the price purchase will go to Young Survival Coalition and The Mammography Voucher Program at Morton Plant Mease Hospital.WMAF01_311x311Estée Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection, $25 (includes three lipsticks in a pink accessory bag). sephoraSephora Collection Compact Mirror, $18. $1 from the sale of each will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

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The Beauty Girl On TV: My Beauty Must-Haves for Fall

Oct 11, 2010

I recently did a TV segment for CLTV’s and WGN’s “Living Healthy Chicago.” If you missed the show, watch my segment (below) to find out my beauty must-haves.  

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What I’m Loving Right Now — Nars Vintage Nail Polish

Oct 5, 2010
Vintage Nail PolishesRachel ZoeIf I’m not a big enough name to convince you that the new limited-edition Nars polishes are as coveted as a vintage Versaci, look to celebs including Jada Pinkett Smith and fashionistas like Rachel Zoe (shown left), who are crazy for the stunning shades. The release of the Vintage collection re-introduces five high-gloss lacquers with a longwear formula that’s water and detergent resistant. United by the theme of classic cinema, each color is named for a movie and its original launch date is listed. I’m mesmerized by Zulu. What about you? NARS Vintage Nail PolishesMash (1996): Army green infused with gold; King Kong (1996): Copper brown infused with gold; Midnight Express (1996): Deep navy; Zulu (1996): Forest green; Full Metal Jacket (1998): Gunmetal greyClick here to purchase the polishes ($16 each) while supplies last.

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