The Beauty Girl

An App That Lets You “Try On” Makeup

beauty — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:06:27 +0000

Technology has come through for beauty once again. We found a free App that makes shopping for makeup easier. It’s called MakeUp by ModiFace, and you can download it from the iTunes App store. The program has hundreds of different makeup shades from a wide variety of brands so you can upload your photo and then try on the colors. It’s particularly helpful when shopping for makeup at the drugstore because those are the products that don’t give you the chance to sample first. It’s not perfect in that you won’t know the exact feel and texture of the product until you open it up, but at least it helps you visualize which shades will look best on you.

Here’s a little tutorial to show you how it works.

A Convenient Cosmetic Bag

beauty — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:14:55 +0000

A New Spin on the French Mani

beauty — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:56:42 +0000

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.

Event Highlights & Giveaway Winners Announced

beauty — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:05:43 +0000

Thanks to all who came out to the Bath & Body Works event I was at this weekend. Congrats to “whitesoxcutie” the Twitter winner of the V.I.P. Mother’s Day Tote. Speaking of giveaways, congrats to Cathy, who won the $135 fragrance giveaway. Here are some pics from the event.

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That's me at my station during the in-store event.

Met Ball 2012: The Best of Beauty & Style

beauty — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:09:01 +0000

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.

A Memorable Mother’s Day Gift

beauty — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:58:48 +0000

I appreciate my mom and always tell her how much I love her on Mother’s Day. However, it always felt like another holiday. As I approach my first Mother’s Day, I get it. This is more than just a day. Mother’s Day means more to me than my birthday. I feel like I’ve earned it. My 8-month-old Rex is my everything, and while I do try to maintain my identity, the fact is, my world revolves around him, and I work hard to be the best mom I can be.

So when I got to thinking about my annual Mother’s Day post and what gifts I would recommend, things felt different. A candle, spa day or jewelry are always welcome. (A costume necklace is on my wanted list. If it’s on yours too, a few designers to check out are Dannijo, Kate Spade, Vera Wang and Stella & Dot). That said, my proposal for this year is to also write your mom a heartfelt letter. I love presents, but they aren’t wrapped in feelings. I look forward to the day when Rex can express his sentiments to me on this special day. In the meantime, I’ll let my hubby write the mushy stuff for the both of them.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Giveaway: Win $500 Worth of Beauty Products!

beauty — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:28:20 +0000

If you haven’t heard of OpenSky.com yet, perhaps this $500 giveaway will perk up your ears.

It’s a relatively new social network for shopping, and when you join, it connects you to different experts, who give recommendations on their favorite products.

Up until now, OpenSky’s 100+ experts have only included people in Style, Food, Home Décor and Healthy Living such as Martha Stewart, Cynthia Rowley and Tom Colicchio.

On May 3, they are debuting a whole new section dedicated to beauty!

The list of beauty experts is impressive. Celebrity make-up artist Pati Dubroff, renowned hairstylist Orlando Pita, former New York Times perfume critic Chandler Burr, award-winning dermatologist Neal B. Schultz, M.D and cosmetic pioneer Sue Devitt are among 10 new expert curators to unveil shops on the site this week.

To kick off this new beauty department, The Beauty Girl readers have a chance to win an amazing package of 12 of the products the experts have hand-picked for the launch. The total package is worth $500!

Follow me on twitter or like me on Facebook, and join OpenSky here, where you’ll automatically be entered to win! Here’s what is up for grabs:

· BeautyRx Maximum Solar Defense Sheer Cream by Dr. Schultz
· Dr. Brandt Collagen Booster Serum
· Kimiko Lifting Eye Shadow Bentobox
· Sue Devitt Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye Palette
· Sibu Beauty Sea Buckthorn Age Defying Eye Cream
· Sibu Beauty Revitalize & Renew Sea Buckthorn liquid supplement for skin, hair and nails
· Serge Normant Meta Silk Shampoo, Conditioner and Hairspray (Travel Size)
· Willa Naturals Born to Glow tinted body lotion
· Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil
· Vegan Nail Polish by Priti NYC
· Beauty for Real Nail Polish and Lip Gloss
· Willa Naturals Born to Glow tinted body lotion

You’re Invited! Meet me at Bath & Body Works Mother’s Day Event May 5th

beauty — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:18:44 +0000

Where: Bath & Body Works store at Old Orchard Mall (Skokie, IL) When: Saturday, May 5th (2-4pm) What: I’ll be at the store’s Mother’s Day Party for an afternoon of beauty, free goodies and fun. Visit me for free makeup bag makeovers and beauty tips, and you’ll have the chance to take a Fragrance Finder quiz to find your scent match. P.S. Write the secret word GINGHAM on your quiz, and you’ll get a free gift! Hope to see you there!

Summer Style Trend: The High-Low Skirt

beauty — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:55:03 +0000

The high-low skirt is a cross between a maxi and a mini: short in the front, long in the back. The lengths and shapes differ from one skirt to the next, but one thing is for certain: they’re darn flattering. The high-low cut creates a lengthening effect that gives even the shortest girls legs for days. The trend can be styled every which way, depends on your own personal taste, and there are tons of cute options for less than $100. From solids to prints, sheer to silky, there’s a skirt for everyone in this gallery. Take a looksie!

Anthropologie, $49.95, anthropologie.com (I personally own this skirt. It's comfy, flattering, and goes with everything. I'll be living in it this summer).

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Fast, Easy Way to Clean Your Makeup Brushes

beauty — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:10:32 +0000