Wednesday 22 February 2012

beauty news: Betsey Johnson x Sephora for OPI

happy wednesday, beauties! here's some fabulous beauty news...

Betsey Johnson has collaborated with Sephora for OPI to create a fun collection and it will launch in Sephora stores next month!

with names like Forever Wild, It's My Pink!, Cartwhells on the Catwalk and XOX Betsey, these girly, standout shades are pure Betsey. less than ten dollars per bottle, the collection also boasts nail tip designs and a six-shade kit. and just when it couldn't get better, the collection's hot pink shade is scented! oh, what a gorgeous & cheerful way to make spring even better...

Betsey says: "i am 'Too Too' excited for my first nail collection with Sephora by OPI! the collection is just how i like it ~ loud, outrageous, pretty, pinky, and kicka** rock and roll."

full color and shade descriptions below...

Forever Wild ~ black grape-ish hue
Pushing Your Luck ~ a deep red shade
It's My Pink! ~ hot pink & scented with the designer's latest fragrance, Too Too!
Sparkling Personality ~ silver glitter
Alley Cat ~ fuchsia
Cartwheels on the Catwalk ~ seafoam green
XOX Betsey ~ sandy nude shade


source

Sunday 19 February 2012

nyfw fall '12 beauty ~ NARS

new york fashion week wrapped up a few days ago and the NARS team definitely made a fabulous impact! inspired by the visions of designers they worked with, using current and yet-to-be-released products {yay for new beauty goodies!}, i thought you'd enjoy some of the highlights...take a look!

at Honor, NARS director of artistry, James Boehmer created pretty, beautiful skin {NARS Sheer Glow foundation used} that was "luminous and glossy" with eyes that were "deliberate and sculpted in a chalky grey shade." to compliment the collection, described as a "love story between a preppy boy and exotic, argentinean girl." Honor designer Giovanna Randall says, "it's the merging of two worlds ~ very refined and earthy with tapestry prints and a modern take on art deco."


at Fabiola Arias, the collection was full of strong pieces. NARS international lead makeup artist, Uzo, created rich, illuminated ombre eyes; warm shades, complemented by gold tones on the inner corners of the eyes, created an illuminated look. Key Largo, Kuala Lumpur, and Kilamanjaro duo eyeshadows {along with new Vent Glacé Duo Eyeshadow, available fall 2012} were key. designer Fabiola Arias wanted the models to look "really lit from within, in gorgeous dresses and hats that my mother, a milliner, created."


Thakoon wanted to focus on the lips for the fall/winter season, so NARS makeup artist Diane Kendal used fuchsia pink, a less obvious shade when one thinks of a bold lip. "the collection is a romantic cliche of something old new york...upper east side in the '80s, but with a quirky twist", said the designer. "it's reminiscent of the past but still feels modern." Kendal says of the shade choice, Heat Wave: "we wanted to play with color, and it ends up making the whole look so interesting."


the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection explored duality, "creating illusions of form by exploring the idea of shadow mapping and paneling, using positive and negative space to evoke the notion of a neo-noir heroine with a strength that belies her innate vulnerability." brand ambassador, Francelle Daly, gave models a look that was "part cartoon, but emotional, edgy, ethereal, and on the brink of tears. think, 'comic book super hero' meets 'emotional Roy Lichtenstein' character." key products included Carpates Stylo Eyeliner, Outlaw blush and Undress Me Multiple {all new for fall 2012}

Naeem Kahn's collection was inspired by italian actress Monica Vitti. "i wanted to do a collection that referenced italy in the 1960s...a beautiful time", says the designer. James Boehmer created a precise, sharp line on the eyes to bring this inspiration to life on the face. "everything else has that 'barely there' feeling. the eye line has to be really sharp and pointed up towards the temple - it's not a cat eye, and it's not a wide eye. it draws the eyes up." key products included Larger Than Life Mascara and Carpates Eyeliner Stylo.


so many fabulous trends to love and products to look forward to, wouldn't you say? stay tuned as i bring you more beauty and style highlights from ny fashion week!


info and images courtesy of NARS

Thursday 9 February 2012

nail color of the week: Julep Viola

happy thursday, beauties! this week i dressed my tips in the fabulous, deep purple Viola from the brand that is fast becoming a favorite in my nail polish wardrobe, Julep.

included in the february Maven Box, Viola, as i mentioned, is deep and so fabulous for this time of year. you'll also notice the box {pictured below} included a hair shine product, dark chocolate and glittering shade, Oscar, to celebrate the award season...

and while there are other colors in this award-season collection {Meryl, Glenn, for example}, i love that Julep put Oscar and Viola together ~ a bit of foreshadowing, perhaps? ;)

what nail polish are you currently wearing?




pics taken by me :)

Tuesday 7 February 2012

currently loving...

bonjour, beauties and happy tuesday! hope your week has been splendid so far...

to be quite honest, life has been taking me through some twists and turns over the last several months. just in the last few days i've been thrown for another loop. i know i could easily throw myself a blowout pity party, but instead am choosing to stay positive and allow each situation, complication and hurdle to teach me...

and i also have some fabulous things bringing a bit of bliss to my days!


this quote

early morning walks {and interval runs 2-3x a week} in the crisp, clear winter air
the stitcher app
Downton Abbey season 2 {are you watching?!}
daily yoga and meditation practice
fresh flowers...

participating in #febphotoaday. this sweet, daily photo-taking challenge was started last month, but i didn't discover it until it was almost over. i was tre excite to discover its creator, Fat Mum Slim, created one for this month and will continue each month this year! join in yourself and follow my pics on twitter and instagram, @thebeautygirl. :)



a fun, new book...

Kate Somerville Resurfacing Peel Pads are the most fabulous little facial treats. rich in alpha hydroxy acids, they leave skin looking and feeling smoother, brighter and have been a fabulous addition to my skincare routine {twice a week} for the last month. each box is enough to last 2 months. to gorgeous skin! :)


i'd love to know: what are you loving right now?



Kate Somerville product sent to me for review consideration

Sunday 5 February 2012

total beauty: 2012 hair trends...

from layered bobs and face-framing highlights to braided updos and warmed-up tones of hair, there are more than a few hair trends to choose from. this is especially fabulous if you're looking to change up your look in a subtle way or want a completely different look.

Total Beauty has complied a list of 2012 hair trends worth checking out. take a look...

TotalBeauty.com
10 New Hairstyle Trends to Try This Year

Ombre tips and faux bobs are so 2011. See the trends that stylists say will rule in 2012


10 New Hairstyle Trends to Try This Year

This is a TotalBeauty.com hairstyles article

If you're itching for a change this season, these new hairstyles will inspire you. Hint: The faux bob gets prettier and the ombre look gets a more natural-looking makeover for 2012. If you're looking to change up your hairstyle this season, read on.

Get trends



which one do you want try?