Style Meets Function: Shellac is a Must

I had the pleasure of attending a CND event yesterday in the presidential suite of Chicago’s Waldorf Astoria. Creative Nail Design is the brand for nails. They do the nails at practically every show during fashion week and set the trends. Celebs like Rihanna, who’s talons stand out on the red carpet, have CND to thank. Read More
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High-Fashion Nails by Ruffian for MAC

I’m loving these press-on nails (wearing them makes me want to shout, “F-U because I’m a badass”) designers Brian Wolk and Claude Morais of Ruffian created for MAC. The limited-edition sets, which include 24 nails, are only available on MAC’s website until July 16. Choose from 3 equally edgy styles: Spectator ovals, an inky spin on the French manicure; gilded tips à la Demilune; or the tri-color Demoiselle talons.
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A New Spin on the French Mani

I’ve never been an advocate of the traditional French manicure. Not sure you’ll ever find a beauty editor who is. While the original should be locked away in the ’80s, I never said I wasn’t open to a twisted version of it. I designed my own “nouveau French mani” (that’s my hand on the right) at the nail salon with a teal polish on my nails and a deep navy on the tips. My neighbor Taryn (that’s her hand on the left) went for a plum-based mani pairing a purple polish that almost looks black with a raspberry color on the tips. We tried to record the names of the OPI polishes we used but they weren’t readable on the bottles. Hopefully, you’ll use this photo as inspiration to create your own postmodern French mani. If/when you do, send me the pics! Click here to see more of my fun manicure ideas.
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Met Ball 2012: The Best of Beauty & Style

At one of the biggest fashion events of the year, hair, makeup and nails are just as important as the dress. The verdict is in: here are some of the beauty (and style) hits of the night. Hair how-tos and product details are in the captions! posted by Cody

Jessica Alba: structured, elegant waves

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HOW TO GET THE LOOK: On wet hair, hair stylist Renato Campora applied Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting & Texturizing Spray Gel throughout and then formed a strong side part. He dried the hair with a round brush to create volume and shine. Next, he used a one-inch curling iron to create the body and shape of the look. Renato then brushed through the curls to build waves starting from the side-part. After, he applied a small amount of Fekkai Advanced Brilliant Glossing Cream to define the waves of the hair and add a lasting shine. To finish the look, Renato sprayed Fekkai Coiff Sheer Hold Hairspray.

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Beauty Sampling Programs — What’s in it for you?

Beauty sampling programs are blowing up. Birchbox has generated the most buzz, and now it seems everyone is doing it. If you’re interested in discovering new brands, testing products before buying the full-size bottle or getting a special delivery every month, this may be worth it. Each program is slightly different—click through the gallery to see what’s out there. We’ve highlighted some of the most promising. posted by Cody  

Birchbox

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Request a subscription invitation on their website and sign up for monthly deliveries of the Birchbox. For $10 a month, you will receive trial-sized samples of beauty products from indie brands and large cosmetics companies alike. A different selection of products comes each month and they’re kept a secret until you receive your package. Yearly and monthly subscriptions are available. Fall in love with a sample from your Birchbox? Buy the regular retail size on the Birchbox site and receive points that’ll go towards future purchases.

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Windy City Live TV Segment: Get Spring’s Beauty Trends for under $10

I had so much fun this morning at Windy City Live talking spring beauty trends and how to get them with products for all under $10. Check it out! P.S. Here are some behind-the-scenes shots as WCL’s co-host Val and I get ready to go live. photos by Tyler Furlan
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Manicure Inspirations

Wondering what to get for your next mani? Perhaps these ideas can help. I didn’t have time to get to the salon before an event, so I applied these OPI for Sephora fishnet nail stickers. This pattern isn’t available any more but Sally Hansen Salon Effects Polish Strips has similar funky designs. I love sparkle so went for this two-tone effect that reminds me of an evening sky. The manicurist applied one coat of OPI polish in Midnight Cami (a beautiful navy), followed by one coat of Nails Inc. Special Effects in Fitzroy Square (a glittery turquoise). What shade are you thinking for your next mani?
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Are You Feeling the “Statement Nail”?

If you’ve recently picked up a gossip magazine, signed onto Pinterest, or visited a college campus, you’re well aware of the “statement nail” polish trend that’s sweeping the ring fingers of women everywhere. Confused? Celebrtities and young girls alike have been painting their ring fingers a different color, texture, or pattern than the rest of their digits. In fact, it’s so common that just today my manicurist asked me what other color I wanted when I only handed her one bottle of polish. Crazy! It’s a fun, pretty way for girls and young women to get creative with lacquers, but we’re not sending the older women in our lives to join the party. We think it’s a fad that’ll fade quicker than we can say tacky. posted by Cody  

How do you feel about the statement nail?

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Beso.com Asked Me to Reveal What I’m Loving for Spring. Here It Goes!

Have you heard of beso.com? It’s a site devoted to shopping (need I say more). To help the hunt, they pick the brains of industry peeps like myself to see what’s on our lists, which may just inspire yours. So, when I was asked about the beauty products I’m all about right now, of course I had to tell. Read More
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Trend to Try: Matte Nails

I’m wearing EvolutionMan Nail Paint in Stand Out. Formulated for a man (yes, really…have you heard of “guyliner“?) yet equally wearable for a woman. I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve gotten wearing this metallic charcoal. It’s all about the matte finish — edgy and elegant. And the color pops against my turquoise Coach Madison wallet.
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