Nails
Splurge and Steal With Summer Nail Polishes
For me, nail polish is not a seasonal thing. I paint my paws year round (yup, I’m addicted that way), but it sure is fun this time of year.
It’s gotta be the shoes, ya know? — or, rather, the summery sandals that finally free my feet. You get those toes up in the mix, free from their oppressive footwear, and now you’ve got 20 digits to play with, instead of just 10.
This summer, lots of lovely lacquers are landing on shelves, and if you’re looking for color ideas to wear with your favorite sandals, swimsuits, sundresses or shorts, try these pricey splurge and bargain steal-worthy shades.
Tempting Teals
SPLURGE: Yves Saint Lauren La Lacquer Couture Nail Lacquer in Vert D’Orient ($25)
This lush, creamy teal looks right at home on tips and toes, whether it’s at a ritzy garden party in the South of France or waiting in line at a Costco. With a quick 10-minute dry time and a flat oversized brush that covers each nail in just one or two swipes, it’s a fantastic find for fast manis and pedis.
STEAL: Essie Naughty Nautical Nail Polish ($8)
Perfect for poolside parties and beach barbecues, Essie’s bright teal turns up the heat with flecks of silver micro glitter.
Cheerful corals
SPLURGE: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Lilis ($27)
Shh… Don’t tell the polish police, but sometimes I skip a top coat when I wear Chanel’s cute coral Lilis, with its mirror-like shine.
It’s easy to dress up or down, making it an epic vacation shade.
STEAL: Essie Nail Polish Sunday Funday ($8)
If Chanel Lilis had a spunkier, sparklier younger sister, she’d be Sunday Funday. This glittery reddish coral will bring a smile to your face when you see it gracing your toes on the sand.
Idyllic Ivories
SPLURGE: Tom Ford Beauty Nail Lacquer in Vapor ($30)
This soft, shimmery white lacquer loves tanned skin and glows like a string of pearls.
STEAL: L’Oreal Nail Color Riche in I Will ($8)
Apply two coats of this creamy white on short fingernails to give your look a quick edge.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
10 Under $10: The Best Drugstore Gems
While there is merit to some beauty products that cost the earth (this gal has bought several replacement bottles of $150 Rodin Olio Lusso, for instance), the phrase “you get what you pay for” can be as incorrect semantically as it is grammatically. There are a bevy of fabulous beauty buys at your local drugstore that can be scored for under a Hamilton note. Here, my favorite inexpensive makeup, hair, skin care and body buys.
1. Revlon BB Cream: Revlon’s foundations have long impressed me, and the brand’s foray into the BB cream space is worthy of a parade. It yields light, smooth, even coverage with a hint of hydration ($9).
2. Avon Shine Attract Lipstick: Pigmented color, shine and hydration—all in a single tube. Keep one by your front door and one in your purse ($9).
3. Maybelline Clean Express Makeup Removing Lotion: My lids and lashes have become a “no-fly zone” for regular face washing since I started getting lash extensions at Courtney Akai Lash Boutique and recently became a convert to Browhaus’ brow resurrection service. This creamy lotion on a Q-tip removes all traces of even the most stubborn liner, shadow and mascara ($5).
4. Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Mask: This is my go-to when I’m about eight months deep into a haircut. You and I both know highlighted, heat-styled ends are absolutely a Greek tragedy by that point. This creamy, lush masque whips them into shape without scissors ($6).
5. John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Sheer Mist: Similarly, spritzing this stuff on ends before flat-ironing or curling can help me eke out another two months of wear on a haircut ($9.99).
6. Yes To Carrots Hydrating Shower Gel: Moisture, great cleansing, a crisp, refreshing scent and natural. Get involved ($7).
7. L’Oreal Paris Miss Pixie Nail Color: For six dollars, you can score the very same hue as talon titan Jin Soon Choi’s legendary Blue Iris Nail Lacquer, which beauty editors love. Note: You’ll need an extra coat or two; this one skews a bit more sheer ($6).
8. Hello Supermint Toothpaste: It’s natural, the packaging is beyond chic and the Supermint flavor transforms the brushing experience into a spa for your smile ($5).
9. Clearasil Ultra Rapid Action Daily Gel Wash: Cleans my acne-prone skin perfectly and without residue in the increasingly humid climes of summer in NYC ($7.50).
10. Olay Fresh Effects S’Wipe Out Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths: Keep these by your bed for late nights out to ensure you won’t sleep in your makeup–the gravest of beauty sins ($6).
Into the Blue: Spring’s Trendy Nail Hue
It seems like spring is finally here to stay, which means it’s time to ditch the dark polish and lighten up your nails. While pastels create a subliminal-yet-polished look and neons are eye-catching, I have to admit, I’ve got the blues for some of spring’s newest shades.
From light pastels to rich cobalts, there’s a tint for everyone’s taste. Try them one at a time, use a second color for an accent nail, or if you really can’t decide on a color, go ombre with your fave five. Here are some of my favorite new blues:
SinfulShine in Break Away, $3, Walgreens stores
Avenue Maintain by Essie, $8, essie.com
Can’t Find My Czechbook by OPI, $9, ulta.com
Mermaid’s Tale by Sally Hansen, $8, sallyhansen.com
Stand by Your Manny by Nicole by OPI, $8, ulta.com
Skinnydip by Orly, $8.50, orlybeauty.com
Simply Aqua by Lancome Vernis in Love, $15, lancome-usa.com
Strap On Your Moonboots by China Glaze Hologram, $14, sallybeauty.com
Blue Iris by Jin Soon, $18, sephora.com
Three Easy Nail Looks to Try
I’ve been a big fan of the nail art movement for quite awhile, but as a clumsy person who is more adept at painting my actual finger than nail, I was afraid to try anything on myself. Once my sister – a nail tech – introduced me to the beauty of cleaning up mistakes with a nail brush dipped in polish remover (no brainer life changer!), I decided to give a few simple ones a go. I put together three different looks for you to check out and try on your own. As long as you’re able to paint your nails (or make a mess and clean it up), you’ll be able to create these three easy looks.
“Got My Groove Back” from Ginger + Liz, “Aquadelic” by China Glaze, Paper Reinforcements
The first look is the half moon manicure. I did this one myself, and have a full tutorial available here. All you need are some paper reinforcements from the school/office supply section of your local store, and two colors of polish of your choice! Just apply the first coat, let it fully dry, add the sticker and paint the next coat with a contrasting color, using the sticker as a stencil. Super Easy!
OPI “Alpine Snow”, Butter London “Sprog”, China Glaze “Modify Me”, Butter London “Blagger”, OPI “Yoga ta get this blue”
The next look is the ombre effect, which simply requires five different colors from light to dark. Doesn’t get easier than that! You can try this with so many different color options.
Kiss Nail Dress decals
The last look is perfect for gals on the go, who don’t want to wait around for their nails to dry. It’s also a great way to try intricate nail art without actually having to do it yourself! These nail decals go on with ease. Pick the size that fits your nail best, secure it, then file the excess. I went with one accent nail, here, but you can do an entire set if you’re feeling bold!
What do you think? Will you try any of these looks at home? We’d love to see your looks!
Best Colors for a Spring Pedicure
It’s time for open-toe shoes and gorgeous sandals!
Spring is HERE! Fortunately the weather is getting warmer and warmer and all those beautiful spring shoes can finally be worn!
I just booked my 1st pedicure to get ready for my spring sandals and I can’t wait!
There’s something so soothing and relaxing about getting a pedicure. You get to relax. Your toes get a wonderful massage and pamper. And you get to paint your toenails beautiful and gorgeous colors… and with spring here, these colors can be bold and say here-I-am-world!
Being 6 months pregnant, I’m starting to not be able to see my toes, so I’ve been having a wonderful time finding some colors that will be spring-worthy and look beautiful to people who can see my toes right now!
Here are some of the best colors for a spring pedicure:
AHH-MAZING! You will love this color. It’s bold. It’s bright. It’s eye-catching. It’s perfection for the sunny weather coming our way! It gets you in the mood for a fabulous spring and summer 2013 on your toes.
Soothing and serene. This color is just delicious for your toes. I love seeing this color peeking our of my open-toe espadrilles. It’s just adorable and perfect for the spring and summer. I love the tone of blue… it’s just gorg!
3) Cake-Hole Nail Lacquer by Butter
Every girl needs a new pink for the spring and summer season. I am obsessed with Butter’s Cake-Hole this spring. It’s that perfect touch of neon pink for your toes. You will be using this all spring and summer long! It’s absolutely stunning!
Green is the HOT color of 2013, so you need a green tone for your nails, too. I love this color by OPI because it’s not too dark and it’s not too light… it’s perfect. Your toes will have a beautiful green shine to them, they won’t be overpowered by a crazy green!
OK… snow white is beyond cool. Even though all the snow is behind us (we hope!), I love the touch of pure white on toenails. It’s chic. It’s trendy. It’s just adorable. I think it exudes a different and unique nail and it definitely memorable.
How to: The Oil Slick Mani by Essie
New York Fashion Week may seem like it was eons ago, but I’m still on a high from all of the super cool beauty trends coming for Fall. One of my fave looks was this oil slick manicure created by Essie for the Rebecca Minkoff show. It was inspired by a handbag in the new collection. Celebrity manicurist, Michelle Saunders came up with the look and showed us how to do it at home.
Spring’s Hottest Eyeshadow Colors
When it comes to my makeup, I’m a total eyeshadow girl. I love experimenting with different colors and creating different all from my eyeshadow.
My personal favorite look is creating a smokey eye with my shadows. Sometimes I use charcoals, sometimes I use browns, sometimes I use purples and blues, it just kind of depends how I’m feeling at the moment. I’ve never been one to have fun with lip colors, but with eyeshadow — anything goes!
Just like with fashion, with each upcoming season, there are always new colors that are trending and emerging on the beauty front. This Spring 2013, there are some gorgeous bold and beautiful eyeshadow colors that you don’t want to miss trying out. This Spring it’s all about vibrant and statement colors for the eyes. The colors are rich and luxurious and eye-catching (pun intended).
Here are 5 of Spring’s Hottest Eyeshadow Colors (and why I love them):
Emerald has been named the “color of 2013,” also allowing all shades of green to come center stage. I love the boldness to this Guacamole eyeshadow shade. This is the kind of color you can easily wear as a light dusting or heavy. I also love that if you have green or blue eyes, this will absolutely make your eyes pop. It’s soothing and bold at the same time. This is one of my personal faves for Spring 2013!
2) Maybelline Inked in Gold Rush Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow -
Hello Spring! You will shine and glitter in this shade. I love Gold Rush because it’s a happy color. I’ve had a lot of success layering over my charcoals for some added shine. I think it’s a beautiful color and totally brings on the brightness of Spring 2013!
3) L’Oreal Colour Riche Eye Shadow Quads – Stacked Heels
Pretty in pinks and purples. I love these colors because they’re delicate, elegant and just beautiful. I love mixing pinks and purples together because you can create such a soft look for your lids. Not to mention, each color on their own stands out.
4) Persia by NARS -
You want bold for spring? This is your color. I love the pop of this color, it’s loud and beautiful. You can do a lot with this color, and I think it’s perfect for ladies with darker eyes. It’s a stunning color that you will get a ton of complements on!
5) Revlon ColorStay 16-Hour Eyeshadow – Adventurous
Teals and blues and greens and creams… perfect Spring combinations! Blue and teal are (2) colors that are trending like crazy this Spring in the fashion world, and I love seeing them brought over into beauty. These colors are relaxing, serene and BOLD.
What is Your Beauty Resolution?
The new year is officially in full swing, which means we should start working on our lofty resolutions. In addition to the prerequisite “lose weight” and “read more” resolutions that top our list every year, we are including a few beauty promises too. We’ve gotten too lax with our looks and it’s time to show our skin and hair some TLC. Here are some of our beauty resolutions; what are yours? *Wear sunscreen every day of the year. *See a dermatologist for a full body skin assessment. *Two words: undereye cream. *Find a new go-to hairstyle that doesnt involve a ponytail holder. *Retinol…period.
Good News! Gel Manis Don’t Increase Skin Cancer Risk
No need to worry about the UV lamps at nail salons. (Photo: Fox)
We’ve been a bit wary of gel manicures ever since we heard that the superspeedy UV lamps used to set lacquer may lead to skin cancer. Now it turns out that there’s no cause for alarm: a new study conducted by two independent researchers found that it would take 13,000 to 40,000 nail-drying sessions (the equivalent of 250 years’ worth of weekly manicures) to marginally raise the risk of developing skin cancer. Unlike the lamps used in tanning beds, nail lamps use “narrowband UVB” rays, which are regarded as much safer.
Beauty Tips in 140 Characters or Less
Beat frizz fast…
@wmagkatie Best anti-frizz tip from @ddicanio from @blowdrybeauty: Don’t blow dry in your bathroom—the humidity is working against you!
@JaneShinPark Esp in winter, frequent mani-changers MUST use cuticle oil. Otherwise, scraggly bits galore! (I’m using melhttp://instagr.am/p/TJqjUerndd/
Post-shower skin-saving secret…
@FabAtAnyAge Showering in water that’s too hot will dry out your skin so use warm water+apply lotion while your skin is damp is my rule!#skin
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