Christmas Eye of the Day - NARS Holiday Palette

I died over this palette and needed to have it -

NARS Holiday Collection palette!

I used natural-looking falsies so they didn't take the attention off the shadow!

I used the dark purple on the lid, and the black in the crease and along the top and bottom lashes

Shameless bathroom vogueing

You can see the lids better in this photo

This is me getting my hair did by my little cousin haha cute right?

LOVE!

I love this NARS palette for a few reasons:

• The pigment on these is amazing - what you see is what you get.
• There is NO FALLOUT. Seriously. I was a bit iffy about buying this palette, because I imagined the black sparkly shadow all over my face by the end of the night. It stayed put and didn't crease. I even put it on my bottom lashes (which I usually don't do because of the fallout) and it STILL stayed intact. Very impressive.
• I got so many compliments on my eye makeup! I usually don't do a very dramatic smokey eye, so I guess it was a different look for me. I think it also stood out greatly from the gold dress I was wearing =)
• Other than the palette, I prepped my eyes with Urban Decay Primer Potion, used falsies (ModLash #53), and two coats of MAC's Haute and Naughty mascara to bind the lashes together. Hard to believe I used zero eye liner which is usually a must for me.

Hope you guys liked my look! And of course, I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!! xoxo

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Aventure

Was it necessary to buy myself a $35 Chanel lipstick: Nope
Do I care: Nope
Do I feel extra cool today because I bought something from Chanel: YUUUUUUP!

I love how sheer and pretty this pink is. I swatched about 6 other pinks and just loved this one the most. Hey, Happy Holidays to me right? =)

Gaga's Road to Love Tour Photo

Wow, so I kinda love this. The photography is kick ass - I'm a sucker for black and white with a pop of color, in this case her amazing hair. Wish I could beehive my hair like this! xoxo

The Hidden Speakeasy Adventures of Frankie and Deano

Every winter, my friend Sabrina and I have an annual Christmas dinner. To catch up, talk about life, love, work and everything in between. This year, upon recommendation from a friend, we went to a speakeasy-type bar in Alphabet City called Barber Shop. We always have a blast, but discovering this seemingly "secret" place together made it that much more special. And oh what a time we had! See below for photos =)

You walk through a retro barber shop (someone was getting a haircut when we got there!)

The bar is behind that sliding black door in the back.

Here is Sabrina relaxing in a retro living room in the back of the bar.

Book shelves, old radios, arm chairs, you name it they had it.

We had this room all to ourselves for most of the night!

Frankie and Deano

Translation: Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin - our nicknames for each other since college.

Makeup is looking proper in this photo I must say!



Me. In the black "uniform" I usually sport.
I felt like I was hanging out in my grandmother's living room.
With a full functioning bar of course.




Our new friends???

Oh dear. These were just OUR our drinks.

Grey Goose & Tonic // Jack and Coke

I felt this the next day in a big way....

Hazy secret bar people

Louboutin Love.

My boyfriend was horrified and thought I had gotten a tattoo after the bar.

Thankfully it was just a stamp.

Sleepy cab ride.

Makeup still entact.

Successful night all around!

Hope you guys liked the photos! Totally am going to try to find more bars like this one. Such a nice break from the usual hectic, crowded bar scene. Hope everyone had a great day! xoxo

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind - FOUNDATION

Left: Foundation / Right: Concealer

After falling in absolute LOVE with the concealer (click here if you haven't read the review) I decided to try the foundation as well. They are very similar in appearance - both having the innovative brush tip applicator at the top. Besides that, they couldn't be more different.

I'm very sorry to report that this foundation absolutely BLOWS. Like I'm talking sucks big time. I couldn't believe it myself, considering the concealer is probably the best I've ever used. Here are my issues with it:

• 
  
  
  It takes a long time to apply. Since you're using the small brush applicator vs. a foundation sponge, it will probably take you twice as long to finish your whole face. For the concealer, it's not a problem because doing under your eyes and other small areas doesn't take very long




• The foundation is very GREASY. That is the enemy for my oily skin. After applying it at 7am for work, my face was a shiny, oily mess by 11am and I was horrified!
  



• It doesn't have good coverage. Despite the foundation being greasy, it didn't offer good coverage in the first place. I felt like I was wearing a tinted moisturizer vs. a foundation.

So there you have it ladies. I always hate writing negative product reviews, but I would rather you guys know the truth! Although you could buy this and love it, everyone is different. For me, it was all wrong and I'll never buy it or use it again. The take away from this post: buy the concealer, it will change your life. Leave the foundation, it sucks the big one.

Hope everyone is having a great Sunday! xoxo

8 Hair Myths - Debunked. Via Yahoo

Hi dolls, saw this on Yahoo and thought it was interesting! Some of them I didn't know. Give them a read! xoxo, MM

Myth #1: Slather on mayonnaise and olive oil to deep condition your hair.

While kitchen staples like mayo and olive oil do contain moisturizing properties, adding heaping handfuls of the stuff to your locks isn't the ticket to silky hair. "The success of this treatment depends on the type and texture of your hair," says Doug DiCanio, a stylist at Blow in New York City. "If your hair is fine, limp or sparse, you'll see a greasy or heavy result. But if you have thick, coarse and extremely dry hair, mayo and olive oil can be a low-cost alternative to deep conditioning treatments, so long as you apply them correctly." He suggests distributing one tablespoon of either ingredient into clean, damp hair, concentrating on the ends. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes and then thoroughly rinse with a gentle cleansing shampoo.

Myth #2: You have to constantly change up your shampoo and conditioner in order to get great results.

If your tried-and-true shampoo and conditioner don't seem to be working as well as they used to, don't rush out to pick up new brands. Contrary to popular belief, hair doesn't "get used to" products-build-up and residue is usually to blame for lackluster locks. "Some shampoos and conditioners can leave behind residue, which might make it difficult to see results over the long term," says DiCanio. "Use a clarifying shampoo once every two weeks to remove excess build-up in your hair, and you should be able to see continued great results from your favorite products."

Myth #3: Cutting your hair will make it grow faster.

While regular trims are a great way to keep your hair healthy, monthly snips won't turn you into Rapunzel. "On average, hair grows about half an inch every month regardless of whether or not you trim it," says Jenny Cho, a stylist for Suave Professionals. "While cutting ends will prevent damage and encourage stronger, healthier hair, it doesn't tell the roots to grow faster." However, healthy hair may appear longer, since it's free from dry, damaged and broken ends. So visiting your salon every eight to 12 weeks is still the key to maintaining healthy, long locks.

Myth #4: You can't dye your hair while pregnant.

According to Amy Burkett, MD, ob-gyn residency director at Summa Health System in Akron, Ohio, no studies have conclusively proven hair dye is dangerous to a developing fetus. That said, "In general, pregnant women need to be concerned with what they're exposing their body to. The big concern for me is that some hair products contain formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen that I'd recommend any woman, pregnant or not, steer clear of." Formaldehyde will be noted on a product's ingredients list, so to be safe, choose a dye that doesn't contain it, opting instead for one that has as many natural ingredients as possible, such as henna-based dyes. If you go to the salon for color, ask your stylist what ingredients are in your hair dye, and see if there's a more natural option to pursue. (Note: Formaldehyde can also be found in Brazilian blow outs, a hair-straightening treatment.) Although none of Dr. Burkett's patients-including hair dressers-have ever experienced hair dye-related complications, to be cautious she recommends avoiding all hair dye during the first trimester of pregnancy, since that is when a fetus's basic neurological development occurs.

Myth #5: If you have greasy hair, skip conditioner.

According to DiCanio, greasy hair is caused by the overproduction of sebum, a waxy, oily substance that comes from the tissues of the scalp-so skipping conditioner altogether is not going to cure the problem. Instead, she recommends those with greasy locks to "shampoo the roots with a clarifying shampoo and the ends with a moisturizing shampoo. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair only, steering clear of the scalp." Once your hair is dry, applying dry shampoo can help absorb excess oil. Since oil deposits can build up on styling tools and redistribute them throughout your hair, DiCanio also recommends keeping your brush clean by occasionally using a fine-toothed comb to remove the hair that can get stuck in its teeth. To remove oil and build up, dip both your brush and comb into a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of shampoo, rinse with warm water and let dry face down.

Myth #6: Always comb your hair from top to bottom.

Though nearly every hair commercial features women brushing their locks from the roots downward, combing wet hair in this manner can actually cause breakage. Avoid snapping strands by combing your hair from bottom to top instead. "Start at the ends and work your way up," suggests Cho. "This will put less stress on your hair than if you started at the top and had to pull downwards to detangle a massive knot." Use your other hand to hold onto the hair above the knot you're detangling so that the pressure doesn't pull the hair from the roots, which could cause hair loss.

Myth #7: All hair grows at the same rate.

Ever wondered why the perfect symmetry of a fresh haircut never lasts? According to Joel Schlessinger, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president emeritus of the American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery, "Hair grows at different rates on every part of the body, including on your scalp. Hair goes through three phases of growth, and each area of your body has different phase times." While there's nothing you can do to even out your hair growth times, regular trims will keep your style looking consistent.

Myth #8: Nothing will ever change the natural texture of your hair.

Baffled by why your naturally stick-straight hair has suddenly turned wavy? According to Dr. Schlessinger, hair texture is not set in stone. "It has to do with the length of its growth cycle, nutrition and medications. While the actual hairs we have are technically dead, the scalp and hair root are not. Medications affect the strength of the hair root and can lead to curling or color changes. Additionally, they can weaken the root, eventually leading to hair loss, as happens with chemotherapy." Stress, age and hormones may also play a role in how your hair texture behaves, turning thick hair thin, or coarse hair fine

Which one was the most surprising to you? Mine was #2 - I didn't think you "constantly" had to change up your shampoo and conditioner, but I did think it made a difference if you started using a new one!!

NARS Pro-Prime Skin Smoothing Face Prep

Oh, how did I live without you?!

So a few weeks ago, I set out on yet another Sephora trip in search of a pore minimizer. I’ve never used one before, so it was difficult to chose from the various products Sephora has in their arsenal. I was looking at Benefit’s POREfessional, Boscia Skin Perfecting Primer, Shiseido Pore Smoothing Corrector, and of course the NARS Pro-Prime. I chose the NARS, because it was the only one that was NOT a liquid. I currently use a moisturizer, and a face serum – both liquids – so using a 3rd liquid product on my face in the morning seemed excessive. And I’m glad I chose it!

The best way to describe Pro-Prime is a non-oily, lightweight balm. I use it around my nose and mouth (where my pores appear a bit bigger) prior to putting on my foundation. The directions state that it can be worn under OR over foundation, so I suppose it’s your preference =) It does a great job of smoothing out your pores, and ultimately makes your foundation application flawless! I apply it using my fingers and blend it in little circles where needed. It doesn’t crease at all throughout the day, and didn’t make me break out thank god. I’m kinda loving this.

Do you guys use any products like this? If so, which do you suggest?

Holiday Hoopla

So I had a little cocktail party this weekend. Here are a few photos for your entertainment... =)

My mini Christmas tree!

And new Tahari dress that I got from their outlet sale!

Ardell lashes

Tarte gel liner

Tarte LipSurgence in Swank

And my hair getting more platinum by the minute =)

Happy party people

I love you!

My friend Melissa

Pretty sure this photo sums up the party

Nuvo sparkling liquor with a Sour Patch Kid at the bottom...

Wonder who put it there hmmm

Patron-soaked gummy brains that my friends brought over

Such a fun party idea!

To the left are vodka-soaked gummy bears!

My pretty little candy server.

I bought it not really knowing what to put on it,

so I just got an assortment of candy.

Makes a pretty center piece or decoration =)


Aaaand there's me.

Doing a shot of Kobe punch.

From a snorkel.

With bunny ears on.

Clearly an end of the night photo.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend, and is having a great start to the holiday season!! xoxo

New Rolling Stone Cover!!

This is a pretty bitchin cover, I have to admit! Now the question is.......

Whose makeup rocks the hardest?

You Need This.

Yes, you. I don't care what concealer you currently use. You need THIS ONE now. My mother (beauty guru extraordinaire in my book) recommended it to me. I was a little iffy because it says Instant Age Rewind, but gave it a whirl anyhow. It is honestly the best concealer I've ever used.

I have oily skin, so concealers tend to crease under my eyes as the day goes on. This one stays put perfectly. The little brush erases any dark circles or lines under eyes. You know those cool erasers you had as a kid that you brought to school and compared them with your friends? (or was that just me....) This concealer is like a mini eraser for your face. It also eliminates having to carry around a concealer brush, and blends perfectly without having to use your fingers for creases.

You can also use it for other imperfections on your face. I used to use Benefit's Erase Paste for my face and MAC Studio Finish concealer under my eyes. This has replaced them both. Plus it's way cheaper.

Anyone else try it? I'm done raving now ha =)

Interview with Ning Chao - Beautylish Editor in Chief

CEW (Cosmetics Executive Women) sends out newsletters to their subscribers. When I get a particularly interesting one, I share them with you guys! (I previously posted an interview with Violent Lips tattoo creator). This interview is with Editor in Chief of Beautylish – the social media site for beauty enthusiasts. To be honest, I wasn't really sure what Beautylish was until I read this. I thought it was just a blog/website. Now i'm interested in it! Let me know what you guys think, thought it was a good read! Xoxo, Makeup Majesty

Ning Chao, former senior beauty editor for Marie Claire and former beauty editor at InStyle, shifted online to become editor in chief for Beautylish. She explained recently what the indispensable beauty site is all about.

What makes Beautylish different?

“There’s no other destination, online or in print, with a community and content that caters to beauty enthusiasts and consumers. We’re all familiar with sites such as Facebook or YouTube. They include some beauty and brand information, but you must seek it out. Beautylish provides a one-stop destination that engages consumers in a 360-degree beauty experience. Whether you’re looking for news stories, how-to tips, video tutorials, product reviews or expert beauty advice, consumers will be able to find it all at their fingertips on Beautylish. Our point of difference is that we’re adamant about creating a positive environment, when so much online chatter turns negative. Our mission is to celebrate the beauty in all women, and our members are all real people. Our members are primarily 18- to 32-year-old women who are interested in learning and sharing all things beauty. Celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and brand ambassadors have joined the site, but our membership is comprised of everyday, passionate consumers. The Beautylish community embodies that sought-after breed of enthusiasts, who are not only passionate about the craft of beauty, but also eager to participate and learn about trends, tools and products.”

Beautylish is described as an interactive, multi-media community. What does that mean?

“We provide a platform for consumers to not only receive content and info, but also comprehensively engage in the world of beauty. There’s a social component that is inherent and integral in beauty marketing, and we’ve been able to bring ‘social beauty’ online in a complete and organic way. Like Facebook, Beautylish allows you to update your profile or upload photos—and our video player is more advanced than YouTube’s. Beautylish also enables members to ‘follow’ each other. We always encourage users to comment, whether it’s on an article, an image or in our chat forum. This fosters a community where everyone’s voice is important, not just the editor’s. There’s significant content sharing, and we’re building a highly engaged and informed audience who are primed to share and ‘consume’ beauty.”

Tell us about “The Beauty Social” Beautylish held recently in Santa Monica.

“We organized a two-day event to bring the website to life. The whole community came out, from beauty brands to bloggers and consumers. About a thousand people were in attendance, checking out the brand booths and listening to the expert panels. This wasn’t your traditional trade show, but was all about interacting and engaging beauty enthusiasts. We received phenomenal feedback from attendees, and we are already planning another ‘Beauty Social’ for next year.”

You went from a career as a magazine beauty editor to an all-digital environment. What has that been like?

“I must admit that I’m not the most tech-savvy person you’ll ever meet, but I do know beauty. That’s why I wanted to work at Beautylish. The founders have extensive digital experience, and we married our expertise to build a site that provides the best user experience and beauty content. Magazines are more of a one-way relationship with readers just taking in information in a static environment. Beautylish content provides a conversation starting point and takes off from there. Online also operates at a much faster pace than print. The number of stories we publish in one day is about the same as a monthly magazine’s front-of-book beauty section. Since we have such a strong following, our community is a priceless source of inspiration and information. Now it’s not just the runway or red carpet that dictates the trends we cover—street style, which rises organically within Beautylish’s community, is just as important.”


Where do you see the integration of beauty and social media in the future?

“There are so many possibilities! The way people consume information is changing so rapidly. Five years ago, Twitter didn’t even exist. There was no iPad. Now people have made careers and become celebrities through their YouTube videos. And these gurus are just as influential as any reality TV star. The integration of beauty and technology is here to stay—and we as a beauty community need to evolve our mindset to include social media and digital platforms if we want to continue to reach our audience. And Beautylish is poised to lead that charge.”

Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj Barbie Dolls

Hmm I like the Katy doll, but the Nicki doll kinda looks like a Jersey Shore cast member...yikes. What do you guys think?

Holiday Hair Chameleons

It's about that time - cocktail parties, sparkly makeup, snow (hopefully soon) - Holiday season! It's also the time when people feel the need for a change - often times a hair make over. Here are a few of my favorite celebrity hair chameleons:

Katy Perry

I'm not usually a fan of short hair, so i'm kinda ehh about this.

I don't like the length, but I love the multi colors!

Rihanna

Love her. Again, not loving the shorter cropped hair,

but she can pull off almost any color!

Taylor Swift

New bangs? Sure! I love that she's been wearing her hair straight lately.

The bangs make her look so cute and young. Adorable!

Nicki Minaj

Although i'm pretty sure this is a wig, totally not a fan of the 80's crimp job.

Nicki is tons more fun with neon pink hair!

Lady Gaga

Strangely enough, Gaga has been keeping in simple - for now.

Instead of a colored tint or crazy headpiece,

Gaga has been rocking super long blonde extensions. Love!

Who's your favorite?

Add me on Google+!

Click on the icon to the left and add me on Google+! Not exactly sure what i'm doing, but i'm sure i'll figure it out within the next few days =)

Hope everyone is having an awesome day!!

December 2011 Magazine Covers - Best & Worst

Overall, I was very entertained with the December 2011 magazine covers this month! As always, I've included US covers, as well as a few from various other countries. Let me know what you guys think!

Bazaar Espana

Not sure who this is, but she looks hott and I couldn't get over these shoes.

THE SHOES. OMG. GIMME.

Nicole Scherzinger for Shape

I love the dress. Because it's such a statement piece,

they did the right thing by keeping her hair and makeup simple.

Very natural and pretty!

Scarlett for Vanity Fair

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this cover.

It's so elegant and classic. The hair and makeup really compliment each other here.

I also love that Scarlett changes her hair often, she keeps things interesting. Gorgeous!


Michelle Williams for Elle UK

OK so i'm really torn about this one.

One one hand, I love that it portrays a white Christmas/Holiday feel

On the other hand, I really don't like Michelle's hair and makeup at all.


Lea Michele for Allure

I'm not a Glee person at all, but I think she looks great!

The cat eye really grabs your attention,

and the blush and lippy they used on her compliments her skintone perfectly.


Kim K for Marie Claire

Fresh off the heels of her 72 day marriage, Kim had the time to pose for Marie Claire.

I can't stand that Marie Claire gave her more publicity than she already has, and was annoyed when I saw her on their cover. That aside, they ditched the usual 10 pounds of makeup Kim usually wears, and went for a more natural look. It's pretty, but please go away for a while.

Jessica Simpson for Lucky

The soon to be new mommy looks the best she has looked in a long time!
A touch of mascara, pretty pink lip and long flowing locks really lights up her face.

I like the fun top she's wearing too, I recently bought one just like it for a holiday party =)


Jessica Biel for Elle US

Is it just me, or does her face look kind of vampire-ish?

I can't put my finger on it, bad photoshop maybe?

I can't get passed how her face looks in this photo so everything else was a waste for me.

J Lo for Glamour

This has really been J Lo's year - between American Idol,

being named People's Most Beautiful Person,

various product endorsements and making major $$$!

The makeup is nothing special, but it works for her - same with the hair.

The real standout for me on this cover was the bitchin jewelry she's wearing!


Amy Adams for In Style

This is another one - her face looks strange to me???

Looks like all the mag editors have been favoring sequined tops

and dresses for their shoots though huh?

Kristen Stewart for Glamour Espana

I think my boyfriend said it best, "Why does she look like she's pooping?"

I couldn't agree more. Weird pose, and the usual scowl on her face that ruins

any pretty hair and makeup done on her. Fail.

Jennifer Aniston for Elle China

I think she looks like a wax figure here.
She is so beautiful, so I'm not sure why they felt the need to butcher her face on this cover.

Especially when the title says, "Ageless Beauty." Yuck.



Dianna Agron for Nylon

This is cute! It's very Twiggy/60's and very Nylon.

The bold eyes really draw you in.

The key - eye liner and mascara on the top and bottom lashes. LOTS of both.

The Fanning sisters for W

I've posted this one previously, but wanted to include it in this post because I love it so much!

The golden hair and clothing are really complimented by the girls' bright blue eyes.

They both look like pretty little dolls!

Jessie J for Cosmo UK

Jessie J is my new obsession - I just think she's so damn cool.

This cover made me laugh, between the weird headpiece and kooky outfit.

But I think it works on her! The angular haircut and punchy red lips pull the edgy look together.


Adele for Cosmo US

I love this! Adele always has a flawless cat eye - it's kind of become her signature look.

I also really like the peachy blush they used on her.

Charlize Theron for Vogue

I thought this was a really pretty and interesting choice for a Decemeber cover - the ocean!

I think she looks beautiful and natural. I wish we saw more of her!

Lady Gaga for Vanity Fair - January 2012

OK I was a little too excited about this one and didn't want to wait until next month to share it!

I love the all red ensemble and the oversized hat - all matching her lipstick!

So much fun and very Gaga.

What was your favorite cover this month?