Category: nails

Fall Nails By Revlon: Moon Candy in Satellite

Sure, fall calls for a classic red nail. But sometimes you need something a little more seductive. I’ve been loving these nail polish duos from Revlon, basically two colors in one. And #230 Satellite Moon Candy Nail Art features that classic autumnal shade, oxblood. I hate that word, but I can’t think of a better way to describe the classic but edgy color. The shade leans slightly more brown than cherry. It is office friendly, but still so much like my beloved black when I am feeling a bit moody. I layered two coats for an inky but still shiny look and finish.

And bonus, on the other side of the bottle you get a little twist. Let’s say you are feeling classic and modern one day. Layer on the opaque cream shade. Which is just so rich looking. But then, got a girls night out? Or… feeling playful? Touch up with golden flakes. It might appear like pink glitter in the bottle, but it actually is flakes of golden foil. I just layered that shade on top of the oxblood for a totally different look. Not to mention that more textured coat will make your mani last for days and days on end!

Revlon believes there is more than one way for women to be seen. Revlon’s heritage as a color authority and its suite of innovative products inspires women around the world to express themselves through beauty each and every day.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Revlon Consumer Products via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Revlon Consumer Products.

Metallic and Navy Graphic Nails and ManiCure Pinterest Sweepstakes with Suave and Q-tips!

So here is that exciting news I’ve been dying to share with you! I have teamed up with Suave^® and Q-tips^® for the ManiCure Pinterest Sweepstakes which just launched this week. Over the next four weeks, I will be sharing six nail art designs created by myself. This week’s inspiration is Fashion; perfect as we are in the throes of fashion month and I just returned from NYFW. Not only will I be sharing how to get these nail art looks, but I will also be sharing tips on keeping skin hydrated and nails looking clean and healthy.

So, a little detail about the ManiCure Pinterest Sweepstakes– make sure to head over to the Suave Beauty Pinterest page and pin one of my featured looks (or any other looks by my fellow influencers) and copy the pin URL to the Suave Beauty Facebook page to enter for the chance to win Suave^® Skin Solutions Body Lotions and Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs or $500 for the ultimate day of beauty and style!

And now back to the nail art. I had the chance to be backstage at a couple spring 2014 shows and I kept seeing graphic lines and bold colors. While these were naturally inspired by spring colors, I wanted to translate into a look for our current season. Metallic on navy is what I am rocking, and here is my step-by-step guide to get the look:

Start off with moisturized and soft hands. I’ve been loving the Suave^® Skin Solutions Smoothing Body Lotion with Cocoa Butter & Shea with cocoa butter and shea. My hands were so dry from all those hours on an airplane. They already appear softer and are smoother after a couple days of slathering this on. Not to mention I love the tropical soothing scent.

I use a little alcohol on a Q-tips® Precision Tips™ cotton swab to make sure my nail beds are oil-free. While this can dry out nails, I’ve found mine run on the oilier side and to ensure the longest lasting manicure, especially when doing time consuming nail art, I like to be better safe than sorry.

Next, I apply a nail strengthening base coat and allow to dry for a good five minutes. For bold gemstone colors like navy, I like to apply two to three coats for a glossy and opaque base. Make sure to let your navy base dry thoroughly before you head in on your nail art. I like to use Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs with a little nail polish remover to clean up around the nail and on the cuticles.

Lastly, use a very thin nail art brush to draw lines either horizontally or vertically across the nail. I like to vary the direction of the lines for an imperfect but still graphic look. Use the Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs again to clean up any mistakes. And Voila!

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer for Suave® and Q-tips^®. Visit www.facebook.com/SuaveBeauty for the chance to win Suave^® Skin Solutions Body Lotions and Q-tips^® Precision Tips^™ cotton swabs or $500 for the ultimate day of beauty and style.

Five Late Summer Favorites

So, today marks the official back to school here in my city. Time to face the music and start thinking about prep for those cooler months ahead. I’m focusing on stretching out this tan, staying safe in the sun, repairing sun damage and nourishing my dried out hair. Among other things! Here are five favorites that I keep reaching for to do just that:

RéVive ‘Sensitif’ Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 is the most gentle SPF I have come across and the oil-free formula finishes matte and won’t clog pores. Plus, it works fabulously under makeup.

Kate Somerville ‘Somerville 360°’ Tan Maximizer is helping me milk this summer glow for all that it is worth. I love the smell and how nourishing it is on my skin. Natural oils add so much hydration that this might be my go-to lotion all year long!

Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Shampoo basically transports me back to high school with its fruity scent (how appropriate this time of year!). But what really impressed me was the effect – I use this at night and sleep in a wet braid – the next morning I have full and bouncy waves!

Coola TotalBody Organic Moisturizing Suncare with SPF 30 is keeping me sun safe these last couple of pool days. The scents can’t be beat (my favorite is Plumeria). And I feel even better staying safe in the sun using an organic product.

Essie for the twill of it from their fall collection was high on my wish list. But now that I have it in (or on) my hot little hands I’m swooning so hard I almost fell over. The opaque shade is as nuanced and special as any luxury polish. Fall signature mani sold!

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Summer Favorites From Opinion Nothing

What better way to round out my week of guest posts than the fabulous JM from OpinionNothing.com. This girl has style not to mention is always up on what’s new in beauty living in the fabulous New York City. I asked her to share some of her favorites to beat the crazy heat this summer in the Big Apple:

When temperatures soar and humidity caps off at 100%, my favorite summer beauty products rise to the occasion. Whether I’m headed to the office or out to brunch with my girlfriends, these warm weather essentials keep me looking my best!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder ($45) – This magic face powder comes in six shades and uses photoluminescent technology to soften light as it reflects off the skin. I like using Dim Light with a big, fluffy brush to set my foundation. It’s not a traditional mattifying powder, but I don’t mind a little bit of healthy shine.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation with SPF 15 ($45) – I love Vitalumiere Aqua because it gives medium, buildable coverage yet still feels light like a tinted moisturizer. I can apply it with my fingers or an array of foundation brushes and my dry-to-combination skin looks great every time. BONUS: travel-friendly packaging and a luxurious scent.

NARS single eyeshadow in New York ($24) – Red eyeshadow is difficult to wear without looking like you have pinkeye, but New York is rich enough to pull off. It’s perfect for adding dimension to a neutral, summer-appropriate smoky eye or simply smudged along the lash line for a grungy pop of color. It pains me to say that New York is no longer available as a single eyeshadow, but you can still find it in the splurge-worthy NARS Loves New York palette.

Lipstick Queen in Hello Sailor ($25) – My number one lipstick pick for summer! Hello Sailor looks bright blue in the bullet, but the sheer, moisturizing formula works with natural lip color to create a shade of berry unique to every wearer. It makes teeth look whiter too! Literally my lips, but better.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park ($25) – Red lipstick instantly perks up a simple look, but not when it’s melting off your face, or worse, in your purse. The latest Stalin Lip Pencils from NARS pass the test in both categories and Hyde Park, a gorgeous rosy red, is perfect for day or night.

Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover ($4.59) – No one appreciates a good at-home manicure like I do and step one is using the right tools. Resist the urge to use cuticle scissors. After five minutes wearing the gel, my cuticles are soft and trim. A quick wash with some soap and my nails are ready for bright colors!

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser Cleansing Mask ($5.49) – Before we go crazy thinking our pores are filled with dirt, let’s remind ourselves that blackheads are most often caused by oxidized oils, not filth. This cleansing mask contains both silica and salicylic acid to remove excess oils, leaving skin clean and blackhead-free in between facials. I like to apply it with a synthetic flat foundation brush for a spa-like feel at home.

I leave for summer vacation in less than two weeks (bonjour, Paris!) and you can bet I’m making room in my carry-on for everything on this list. With great skin, a perfect pout, and groomed nails, I’m ready to beat the heat on both sides of the Atlantic.

Cocktail Party Makeup Tips From The Glossarie!

I have had parties on the brain! With travels and weddings this summer, cocktail makeup has been in high rotation. Nothing like having an expert on hand to tell us her favorites. I’d love to welcome Lara from theglossarie.com (one of my all time favorite beauty blogs) – she’s sharing her party makeup favorites today:

Oh summer, you are going way too fast! I’ve been taking it easy through June and July because my August is packed with events – and I absolutely love events. Blame my girlie nature, but something about getting a touch dressed up and giving my makeup that extra oomph is one of my very favorite things.

My daily go-to look is subtle; usually consisting of a cc cream, spot concealer, a wash of bronzer, and a swipe of mascara. If I’m lucky, I get some color on my lips but mostly I live in lip balm. I like to give my face that something extra when I’m getting all dolled up, and these six things are just the ticket.

Mark. Hook Ups, $6.50 each

This concept is a party girl’s dream. Mark.’s Hook Ups allow you to create a custom double-ended makeup magic wand, pairing lip gloss, mascara, eye liner and even brow gel. You can swap things out for endless combinations and keep your two favorites with you at all times. Perfect for tucking in your best clutch!

Stila Countless Color Pigments in Lyric, $22

These vibrant pigments are like little works of art. Technically intended to be worn as eye shadow, I have taken to wearing this light pink/peach/lavender pink option as my special occasion blush. The finish is a gorgeous and almost ethereal glowy hot pink. It never fails to make me feel festive!

Maybelline Color Show Polka Dots Nail Lacquer in Clearly Spotted, $2.99

How fun is this speckled polish from Maybelline? Clearly Spotted is pure black and white glitter in a smooth jelly base. It brings my nail game up a notch and easily goes with every dress in my closet. The texture means that I can apply it myself without needing a professional manicure – plus, any chips are well hidden.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in Pearly Light Lagoon Green, $23

These Aqua Creams from Make Up For Ever can be patted on to lids and blended with my finger so they’re very hard to screw up. They wear without creasing and smudging (even on a sweaty dance floor) and this mint green color has been my summer go-to because it’s subtle yet statement making.

Marni Eau de Parfum, $75

This fragrance from Marni is sexy sexy. Top notes combine elements of spice and woods, with a touch of rose for elegance. It’s classic, yet unlike anything that I have ever smelled before. It’s special and memorable, but perhaps best of all is that my husband cannot get enough.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, $23

I love a lot of lash and this new mascara from Too Faced delivers long, doll-like lashes that do not quit. It’s intensely black and helps to hold beautiful curl, leaving lashes lush and defined. I especially like that I can skip eyeliner when I wear it because the finished effects are just that good.

Style Cusp’s Summer Beauty Routine

This week, I am bound for the Dominican Republic for some decadent beach time! Each day this week, I am featuring a guest post from some of my favorite bloggers. No better way to kick it off than with one of my first blogging friends, Marissa from The Style Cusp! She’s a fashion and lifestyle blogger with killer hair and beauty know-how. Today, she is sharing some of her summer beauty routine. Enjoy!:

My summer beauty routine is simple and fuss free. When I’ve spent a day lounging at the pool or am headed to dinner with girlfriends after an extremely humid Northeast day, the last thing I want to do is pile on makeup only to have it melt off. I usually stick to my trusty basics.

1. EOS // I am obsessed with this little things! I have a few scattered around my apartment, in my purse, and in my beach bag. They are a mix between chapstick and a gloss and give my lips a nice little shine – not to mention their flavors are beyond yummy!

2. Falsies Mascara // I’ve tried loads of mascaras, but always come back to this one. I swear by this little $6 tube! It keeps my lashes long and full – something we all are always on the hunt for in a mascara.

3. NARS Torrid // My top blush/bronzer pick is always NARS. Their shades are always just what I’m looking for and complement my skin tone perfectly. I love Torrid against a little sun kissed skin after a day at the beach or pool.

4. Essie // It’s no secret that I’m a essieaholic! You’ll found bottle after bottle scattered all over my place. I’m constantly switching up what’s on my fingertips, but you best believe there’s never a day I’m without some color. My current favorites are turquoise + caicos, blanc, and bottle service.

What’s your summer beauty routine? Any favorites I should try? Stop on over my blog or send me a tweet (@stylecusp) + let me know!