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Friday, January 31, 2014

Valentine’s Day Flirty Look With Merle Norman Cosmetics! #MerleNorman #ValentinesDay

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I have the perfect items from Merle Norman that are set to help you get ready for a Valentine’s Day flirty look. We are talking soft, sexy eyes and bright, sensuous lips. I used just liquid shimmer mixed with foundation, some liquid eyeliner on my eyes with some mascara and a little bit of bright pink blush. But the kicker is the slight ombre look I achieved with two lipsticks, one a bright pink and a bright blood red. Merle Norman is one of the oldest cosmetic lines in the country, established in 1931.

The items I used are from Merle Norman: Liquid Shimmer Anything Glows, Pro Pen Eyeliner, Wicked Lash Mascara, Lip Conditioner SPF 15, Clear Lip Pencil, Creamy Lipcolor Romance, Creamy Lipcolor Amour.

 

Merle Norman Liquid ShimmerTo achieve this look I mixed the Liquid Shimmer Anything Glows ($15.00) in with my foundation so that I would have a nice, light glowing look on my face. Anything Glows is a light pink colored liquid shimmer, so it really goes nicely with any foundation. It has micronized pigments that work great with HD technology and enhances all skin tones. It can be mixed with foundation or used on top of it to add glow to the cheeks, brow bone or bridge of nose.Merle Norman Pro Pen Eyeliner

Pro Pen Eyeliner ($14.00) is one of the better liquid eyeliners I have tried. I am always on the hunt for a great liquid eyeliner, as I used them constantly. It has a felt tip applicator that makes a fine tip or and the harder you press the bolder the look you create. It has a longer wearing formula that lasts for up to 14 hours!

 

Merle Norman Wicked Lash MascaraI like Wicked Lash Mascara ($16.00), as it is one of the better mascaras for my type of lashes: invisible and long. This mascara makes them more voluminous and adds lots of color. It has an oversize brush that is not too big for my small eyes (most barrels are way too big for me) and the formula is paired with Arch Fiber Technology to add amazing volume, length and curl. Peptides and panthenol leave your lashes conditioned and flexible.

This time of year lips need full time care. I am always on the look out for anything that will keep them Merle Norman Lip Conditioner SPF 15soft and supple. Lip Conditioner SPF 15 ($15.00) is a great way to help condition lips prior to lipstick, lip gloss or just because your lips need it. The conditioner has antioxidant-rich Pomegranate Extract to keep lips feeling great. Plus, it’s packed with humectants and emollients to smooth, soothe and seal in moisture. Definitely can be worn under lipstick.

Merle Norman Clear Lip PencilTo keep lipstick from running out of the lip line, Clear Lip Pencil ($14.00) is a godsend! I hate to have bleeding lipstick, especially now at my age that it starts to feather. This extremely versatile and universally flattering lip pencil is designed to complement every lip shade. A silky-smooth formula features a unique blend of waxes, Aloe Vera, vitamins and emollients, which allow the liner to glide easily across lips. Its invisible protective barrier prevents lipstick or gloss from feathering, smudging or settling into fine lines.

 

Merle Norman Romance Creamy Lip ColorMerle Norman Amour Creamy Lip Color

(left: Creamy Lipcolor in Romance and right Amour)

Now, to make lips look fuller, I did an ombre look. I took the darker shade of the Creamy Lipcolor ($15.00), Amour and used it on the outer edges of the top of the lips and the bottom of the lips. Then I took the bright pink shade, Romance and used it on the inside of the lips on the top and bottom. It made my lips look very full! You could take some of the Liquid Shimmer and add that on the inside of the lip and make it glossy if you really want some full impact lips!

Merle Norman Liquid Shimmer swatchMerle Norman swatches of eyeliner and amour and romance lipsticks

(Above: swatch of Liquid Shimmer on left photo; right: Pro Pen Eyeliner, Creamy Lipcolor in Amour and Romance)

 

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(left: full face showing look, center: eyes open, showing eyeliner and mascara, right: lips showing ombre style look)

 

This is a look that is easily achievable by anyone and is one that I think will look great for Valentine’s Day. It is nice to get out of the usual rut of smoky eye and nude lips! I would not recommend a heavy eye with these eye catching lips. I would recommend that you really work the liquid eyeliner though. Do a heavy cat eye and lots of mascara. This is a flirty, sexy look!

Find a Merle Norman Studio near you: www.merlenorman.com. Like Merle Norman on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerleNormanCosmeticsInc; Follow Merle Norman on Twitter: @MerleNormanInc; Subscribe to Merle Norman on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/merlenormaninc#p/u/2/bIEkLGM-9l4; Follow Merle Norman on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/merlenormaninc/ and Follow Merle Norman on Instagram: http://instagram.com/merlenormaninc#.

(These items were sent for consideration)

 

Super Bowl Nail Art for the Big Game #PatriciaNail #SuperBowl

Super Bowl Nail Art


Broncos or Seahawks? Show support for your team this Sunday with fun and sporty nail designs …

Celebrity nail artist, Pattie Yankee, created some fun and flashy designs for the big game.  Here is how to recreate the look at home:

Seahawk Striped Nail: Use Realm as the background and Reign on each side.  Life was used for the middle thick stripe and Divinity stripes to separate.

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B vs S Nail: Divinity was used with Realm to write B vs S and Purify and Life for each team color.

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Football Nail: Realm was used at the top to create the football shape with Divinity as the football and a white XLVIII at the bottom for Super Bowl 48.

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Broncos Nail: Realm, Purify & Divinity

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Striped Nail: Start with a white nail then stripe Vs down the middle depicting the team colors with Divinity, Realm, Purify, Life and Reign.

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Patricia Nail Lacquer is available online via www.rickysnyc.com for $9 each.  Thank you for sharing and please let me know if you have any questions.

 

2014 VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE #ValentinesDay #giftguide

 

2014 VALENTINE'S DAY GIFT GUIDE

 

Heaven Scent

Vince Camuto Femme

A modern fusion of femininity and confidence. Elegant florals and spicy citruses take your breath away while the warm, sensual dry down keeps you wanting more.

$78 at macys.com

vince camute femme

Lacey, not Racy

Revlon by Marchesa Beauty Tools

Couture beauty necessities for the fashion-forward: Choose from a tiny box of nail files, a chic compact mirror, makeup brushes as well as tweezers, each in pale pink packaging with delicate lace details that emulate the Marchesa Spring 2014 collection.

$4.99 to $13.99 at select market retailers

revlon by marchesa beauty tools

Eye-dentify Seduction

Almay Shadow Softies  by Intense I-Color

Light as air, whipped powder shadows glide on for a sheer wash of crease-free color with a cushiony soft feel. Available in 12 alluring shades. Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested.

$4.99 at mass market retailers

almay shadow softies

Lip Service

vbeauté Lip Spread®

Sugar & Spice

Lip Spread® Limited Edition Colors add high-impact, long-lasting color like a lipstick with the silky, non-sticky finish of a gloss. The unique formula optically adds volume for lusciously kissable lips. 

$19 at vbeaute.com

vbeaute lip spread

Spice Up Your Love

Sweet Love by Kusmi Tea

A smooth and spicy blend of black tea, licorice roots, guarana seeds, pink pepper and special spices. Formulated by world-renowned tea house Kusmi Tea is designed to stimulate all of your senses.

$19.50 at us.kusmitea.com

sweet love by kusmi tea

Warm Up the Night

Theodora & Callum Scarf

Born out of love for collecting beautiful things from all over the world, these scarves are a perfect addition to enhance a date night outfit.

$175 at theodoraandcallum.com

theodora and callum scarf

For Your Eyes Only

Victoria’s Secret PINK Rose Lace Bralette

Your favorite bralette has been amped up with rose-patterned scalloped lace. With lacy straps that love to show off, plus soft, mesh-lined cups for extra comfort and support.

$24.50 at VSPINK.com

victorias secret bralette

Sip with Your Sweetheart

The Coco cocktail at The Skylark

This festive champagne drink swirling with luscious strawberry pearls is sexy and sophisticated. 

Served at the chic Garment District lounge, it’s the perfect cocktail to sip with your sweetheart while you take in the The Skylark’s beautiful views.

$18 at The Skylark, theskylarknyc.com

 

coco cocktail at the skylark

 

Sweetheart Valentine’s Day Passion Package

Offer includes intimacy kit, Bottle of wine and two Skybar cocktails. Rates from $289

https://www.morganshotelgroup.com

sweetheart passion package

 

 

Thursday, January 30, 2014

L’Oréal Infallible® Silkissime Eyeliner #L’OréalParis #Infallible

L’Oréal Infallible Silkissme Eyeliner

Imagine an eyeliner that goes on like pure silk. L’Oréal Infallible® Silkissime Eyeliner does. This eyeliner is the silkiest, softest I have ever used. It glides on so silky and softly without any skipping. This liner comes in 4 shades: Black, Charcoal, Plum and Highlighter. I was able to try the Black and Highlighter shades. One of the best things about this eyeliner is that it lasts 16 hours, so you get great wear from dusk ‘till dawn.

I find the pencils to be very, very soft. They do go on like ‘silk’. Which is good. These are some of the best eyeliners I have used. . I have read reviews that some complain they bread during use, which happens when too much pressure is applied. Just don’t put a lot of pressure as you are applying. This can be

avoided. Also, they are okay to sharpen, it is important to make sure the sharpener is newer, not older. Older sharpeners have dull blades and will definitely ruin the pencils. I like that these don’t tug during application. I found I could do a nice little ‘cat eye’ without trouble.

swatches of Infallible Silkissme in black and highlighter

(above: swatches of Infallible Silkissime in Highlighter on left and Black on right)

 

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(above: Infallible Silkissime in Black on left and Highlighter on right)

 

Infallible Silkissme Eyeliner in Black and HighlighterInfallible Silkissme Eyeliner in Black

(above: on eye I used Infallible Silkissime in Black on top lid and bottom lid. I used Highlighter on waterline to ‘highlight’ eye and make it look larger)

 

This is one of the better eyeliners that L’Oréal has come out with. It is on par with my other favorite eyeliner, the Infallible® The Super Slim by Infallible Black. And they make my favorite mascara, the Voluminous® Butterfly Mascara! All together those make a killer eye look.

L’Oréal Infallible® Silkissime Eyeliner retails for $8.99 and is available on www.lorealparisusa.com and mass market retailers such as Walgreens, Rite-Aid and Wal-Mart nationwide. Like L’Oréal on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorealparis; Follow L’Oréal on Twitter: @LOrealParisUSA; Subscribe to L’Oréal on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/lorealparisnyc; Follow L’Oréal on Tumblr: http://lorealparisusa.tumblr.com/ and Follow L’Oréal on Instagram: http://instagram.com/lorealparisusa#.

(These items were sent for consideration)

 

Get In The Mood For Valentine’s Day With These ‘Flirty’ Products! #ValentinesDay

I have got some great products for you that will get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day! It’s only 2 weeks away by the way!

What says Valentine’s Day better than red or pink? What about a beautiful pink cheek color and red lips to dazzle your date with? Match your outfit with adorable watches from Timex. For this love-filled holiday, we’re partial to pinks, purples and reds in all shapes, sizes and prices!) Look below for a bevy of beautiful options…

Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret

· Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret, $99.95 – Love is in the hair. Achieve sexy waves or pillow-soft spirals that last from day to night. With Curl Secret, styling is effortless and superior curls are foolproof. Simply choose the appropriate combination of heat and timing for your desired look, open the handles and place hair in the curl chamber. Press to close, and hair is drawn in and surrounded by heat from all directions. When the timer signals the curl is ready, simply open to release a perfect curl. Instant heat-up and recovery provide consistent and efficient performance, so each curl is as flawless as the one before. Available at mass retailers, drugstores, specialty and department stores and www.curlsecret.com.essence of beauty forever paris fine fragrance mist

· Essence of Beauty Forever Paris Fine Fragrance Body Mist, $6.99 – Smell is the strongest tie to memory. Create new ones with notes of blushing tulips and Parisian roses. Bring a touch of indulgence into the everyday with the new master-crafted Forever Paris bath and body collection from Essence of Beauty. Featuring fine ingredients, including revitalizing passion flower seed and rice bran oil, nourishing Vitamin A and E, and soothing aloe vera, Forever Paris products are paraben, phthalate, petrolatum, and gluten free. Not tested on animals. A fruity floral, Forever Paris features top notes of mandarin, strawberry and cassis, mid notes of and blushing tulips, jasmine petals and Parisian roses, and base notes of French vanilla, warm amber and sensual musk. Light, delicate mist offers lasting fragrance and soothes skin. Available from www.cvs.com or CVS stores.

shiseido lacquer gloss

· Shiseido Lacquer Gloss in Lust (RD305), $25 – A red lip is a staple on this day of love. Turn up the heat with a hot, long-lasting, red tone like this one. Created by Dick Page, Artistic Director, Shiseido introduces Lacquer Gloss, a rich lip gloss inspired by suki-urushi or “transparent lacquer.” Suki-urushi is a style of traditional Japanese lacquerware which involves high-quality raw lacquer that has a transparent, glossy finish with clear color. Based on the lacquerware production process, Lacquer Gloss delivers shine, color and moisture in one application using a triple-layer formula: the base layer refines lip texture, smoothing out unevenness and lines while providing moisture from Super Hydro-Wrap Vitalizing DE, an advanced ingredient that actively pushes moisture into lips and retains it for hours. The middle layer adheres color to the lips that stays put. The final top layer coats lips with glossy luster, locking in color and moisture. Available at fine department stores and www.shiseido.com.

·Timex Style Watch, $48-$100 – Ditch the traditional sweets and grab some arm candy. Timex offers the perfect stylish accessory that will keep you punctual. Available at www.timex.com and fine department stores.

Timex Fact Sheet

clip_image002[6]Brand: Timex

Style Name: Elevated Classics Women’s Multi-Function (#T2P069)

Price: $70.00

Retailer: Timex.com (Direct link here)

clip_image003[6]Brand: Timex

Style Name: Modern Originals Classic Round (#T2P163)

Price: $65.00

Retailer: Timex.com (Direct link here)

clip_image004[6]Brand: Timex

Style Name: Elevated Classics Dress (#T2N952)

Price: $48

Retailer: Timex.com (Direct link here)

laura mercier rouge nouveau

· Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in Mod, $24 – Achieve pure, long-lasting colour, that leaves lips hydrated and velvety, and feeling light-as-air. Pucker up!  Laura re-invents lipstick with this 100% wax-free lip colour that delivers pure, long-lasting breathable colour and comforts with lip-nourishing hydration. The light-as-air formula feels completely weightless on lips. The secret is a unique wax-free base that allows pigments to deliver true custom colour impact. Available in 15 colour-true shades and three unique finishes: Sheer for naturally stained lips, Matte for velvety lips, and Crème for luminous, creamy lips. Available at fine department stores and www.lauramercier.com· laura mercier creme cheek color

Laura Mercier Cr̬me Cheek Colour in Rosebud, $24 РA quick and simple way to achieve naturally flushed-looking cheeks. Laura Mercier Cr̬me Cheek Colour is a long-wearing cream blush that provides natural-looking colour with sheer, buildable coverage and a soft, velvety finish. Wears all day (8 hours), softly illuminates the skin for a healthy looking complexion, easy to apply; applies smoothly and evenly onto skin and compatible with Laura Mercier Custom Compacts. Available at fine department stores and www.lauramercier.com

no nonsense tights and leggings

· Tights and Leggings from No nonsense, $6.50 - $18.99 – Toss the black stockings and refresh with a bright pink or red accents. We created a 4-pack assortment with our Super Opaque Control Top Tights in our most popular colors. Packed in a gift box for your convenience and includes a card, just in case you want to give the gift of tights. Available in Basic and Jewel Tones. No nonsense Great Shapes Tights help firm and trim your tummy, hips and thighs while providing support for your entire leg. The wide stay-in-place waistband fits at the natural waist and a unique 18-point knitting technology provides a perfect fit.  Check out the extended sizes, S - XXL. Available at fine department stores and www.nononsense.com·st.ives fresh hydration

 St. Ives Naturally Indulgent Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract Fresh Hydration Lotion, $5.99-$7.99Moisturize to leave skin irresistibly touchable for that special someone. is a continuous spray lotion that moisturizes without that heavy lotion feel. Many women know that lotions make their skin look and feel great; however, they dislike the thick and heavy lotion feel. This innovative technology delivers a 360° even spray at every any angle that moisturizes effectively, while feeling light and fresh on skin, never heavy or greasy. Formulated specifically to soothe dry skin Oatmeal & shea butter known to specifically soothe dry skin Fragrance notes include white floral, gourmand, honey, almond and coconut  100% natural moisturizers (glycerin, shea butter) Glycerin is known to moisturize skin  Shea butter contains skin moisturizing vitamins A, E and F, as well as fatty acids, which are known to place moisture back into thirsty skin  Oatmeal & Shea Butter collection also includes St. Ives Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion and Moisturizing Body Wash St. Ives Fresh Hydration Lotions will be available beginning October 2013 at mass retailers, select drugstores and supermarkets nationwide.

nexxus dry shampoo

ne.

·Nexxus Youth Renewal™ Rejuvenating Dry Shampoo , $17.99 – Weightlessly cleanse hair between washes for dreamy volume and freshness. Weightlessly cleanses hair in between washes for increased volume and freshness   First dry shampoo from Nexxus. that helps maintain hair color longer by increasing the time in between washes   Optimized lightweight formula is designed to absorb excess oils without additional residue  Spray directly into roots and rub gently into scalp; brush out and style as usual. NEW Nexxus® Salon Hair Care Youth Renewal™ products are available nationwide in mass, drug and grocery stores.

nyakio body scrub

Nyiako Giant Fig Body Scrub· , $39 – Wearing a backless dress or a low-cut top? Ensure exposed skin is soft, moisturized and smooth. Formulated without parabens or sulfates, nyakio™ Giant Fig Body Scrub envelopes the senses while removing dull skin and hydrating. The fusion of moisturizing South African Mongongo nut Oil, antioxidant-rich fig extract and exfoliating sugar leaves all skin types revitalized, smooth, glowing and more youthful-looking. The new nyakio™ Giant Fig Body Scrub will be available on HSN, HSN.com, www.nyakio.com beginning December 2013.

 

I hope I have given you have some great ideas that will help get you get ready for Valentine’s Day! These are all guaranteed to make you look beautiful and sexy.

 

 

 

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Review: SEPHORA PRO Palette in Warm #SEPHORA #PROPaletteinWarm

(product photo courtesy of www.sephora,com )  SEPHORA PRO Palette in Warm $68.00 This deluxe eyeshadow palette with 38 warm color...

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