Beauty

Your Guide to Eco-Friendly Gift Giving This Season

December 5, 2011 at 10:05 am , by Lauren Piro

’Tis the season for, well, tons of stuff. Department store circulars crowd our mailboxes (and coupon codes flood our e-mail), the new totally-bigger-than-last-year’s TVs jut dangerously out of car trunks, and gift closets overflow with trinkets for the people you didn’t think to buy for anyway, but “shoot!” those neighborly jerks just brought over bottle of your favorite wine.

Ugh. There has to be a way to feel at least a little better about all of this.

I’m into the “going green” lifestyle, and I like to be pretty discerning about what I put in and on my body and around my home (case in point, after moving into my first grown-up New York City apartment this week, my Seventh Generation cleaning products, Dr. Bronner’s all-in-one soap and BPA-free water bottle were among the first things I unpacked). And because I care about how I live, if I’m going to add to my loved ones ever-growing inventory of stuff yet again this December, it would be great to give gifts with at least some earth-friendly redeeming qualities.

The folks at Origins, a beauty line that promotes its natural ingredients, agree, so they teamed up with eco-tastemakers to lend some easy, green ideas we can all try this holiday season. Their first video, with best-selling novelist Emily Giffin and eco-minded event planner April Trigg, offer the coolest green gifts you can give this year, many of which are made from awesome recycled or reclaimed materials. I especially love the salvaged tin ceiling photo frames April found—they’re perfect for your shabby chic sister.

Watch the video below for the rest of her picks (and get her handy where-to-buy-it list here) and head over to Origins.com with the special code GOODTOGLOW for a surprise at checkout. Want more tips on how to make your holiday a little more green? New videos will arrive each week on Origin’s Facebook page, including eco-chic holiday fashion with designer Vivienne Tam and green holiday decor with interior designer Robin Wilson.

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Do Good, Look Good: Second Annual Beauty Bloggers Online Auction

November 28, 2011 at 11:35 am , by nykiaspradley

Is it just us or do the holidays seem to begin earlier and earlier every year? We’re not complaining, we’ll take any excuse to squeeze in a little shopping–and the ladies behind BeautyBloggers.org have given us even more incentive to open our wallets.

For the next two weeks, as you’re mulling over your gift list,  Karla Sugar and a roster of over 60 other beauty bloggers will be hosting their second annual online beauty auction. Proceeds are going to Doctors Without Borders, an organization that provides medical care to people in crisis, regardless of race, religion, or political affiliation.
These beauty mavens have collectively rounded up a pretty impressive collection of products to auction off: a complete set of Peau Vierge skincare from Le Métier de Beauté (retail: $1,100), a mascara wardrobe from Lancôme, a set of “matched luggage” makeup travel bags from Stephanie Johnson, Armani’s mother-of-pearl holiday eyeshadow palette, and tons of other goodies.
So put your clicking finger to good use, someone on your list will appreciate it. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing that your bucks are going to a good cause. Hey, it is the season of giving after all, right? The auction starts today and ends on December 12th.

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Beauty We Love: Christina Hendricks

November 16, 2011 at 10:15 am , by nykiaspradley

When she’s not giving her fictional co-workers of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce hell, or showing up red heads everywhere, Christina Hendricks is all about doing good. What’s not to love about that?

She’s been up to doing good through her latest partnership with the lash enhancement brand, LATISSE and the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Before the end of November, Christina is encouraging women to help her raise $500,000, which will go to every Make-A-Wish chapter across the country. We caught up with Christina who shared why the challenge means so much to her.

As an actress, how have lashes played into the different characters you’re portrayed? 

The 1960s were a time when false eyelashes were widely used. True to the period, all of the female characters wear them on “Mad Men”.  I think it amplifies the characters’ femininity.
How did your partnership with LATISSE and the Make-a-Wish Foundation come about?

My lashes have always been thin and light in color, and over time I know they will continue to thin out even more. Not to mention, as an actress, I wear a lot of makeup and false lashes, which has also taken a toll on my lashes. When I was approached by the LATISSE brand about joining a campaign that would support the Make-A-Wish Foundation®, I was delighted to get involved.
Tell us a little bit about the campaign.

I am really proud to be an ambassador for the LATISSE® Wishes Challenge because it contributes to children. Since launching in June 2011, participants have helped to raise more than $380,000, but $120,000 is still needed to meet the campaign goal.  As a thank you, donors receive a certificate to try LATISSE for free.

What makes you feel beautiful?
My husband makes me feel beautiful! Some of my favorite beauty secrets are to use moisturizer regularly, get lots of sleep, add a hint of blush and mascara. Ever since I started to use LATISSE, my lashes have grown longer, fuller and darker giving my mascara more to work with.

You’re helping to grant tons of children their wishes, if you had one wish to make, what would it be?
My wish would be to take a year off of work and travel the world!

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The Dark Side of Beauty

October 31, 2011 at 1:16 pm , by nykiaspradley

In the spirit of Halloween we’ve dug up a few of our favorite boo-tiful finds.

Top Shop Smokey Eye Kit: Smoky Eyes Quad in Smouldering, $20
These four powders pretty much take the guess work out of creating a dark and mysterious eye.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Satin, $25
How can a rich and shiny nail polish look anything but glam?

 

Shea Terra Organics African Black soap, $22
A spoonful of this raw soap powder added to you bath seriously does wonders for skin.

Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Stain, $29
Add a splash of color and tap into your vampy side with a blood red elixir that brightens cheeks and lips.

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Fall Foods for Glowing Skin

October 17, 2011 at 5:25 pm , by nykiaspradley

Originally posted on Gloss Daily

While fall fashion and makeup trends are cool, what we really look forward to are all of the seasonal foods now lining grocery store shelves (yep, we are total foodies!). But who knew many of these munchies are also good for the skin. According to Nutritionist and Personal Trainer, Robin Barrie Kaiden, MS, RD, CDN, CSSD, pumpkin, cranberries, and brussels sprouts are packed with the vitamins and nutrients needed to boost radiance in skin. Like we really needed another reason to indulge.

PUMPKIN is high in…

-Beta carotene, which decrease UV-induced damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

-Vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental pollutants and toxins, while aiding in collagen production.

-Vitamin E to help protect skin from UV light and free radical cell damage.

-Zinc, which protects against oxidative stress and fights acne.

-Omega 3′s that maintain healthy cell membranes, making sure moisture and nutrients remain in the skin, while toxins are kept out.

CRANBERRIES are a great source of…

-B vitamins that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which means your hormones remain balanced and you breakout less frequently.

-Selenium, which protects skin against sun damage and improves elasticity.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS are packed with…

-Vitamin K that promotes healthy blood circulation to the skin, which heals skin discoloration, improves the healing of scars, and minimizes the appearance of spider veins in the face.

Calling all cooks! Robin gave us this skin-friendly side dish to try. Share your own recipe in the comments box below.

Lime Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pumpkin Seeds

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
• 16 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 4 tablespoons roasted, shelled pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Preheat oven to 400°F. Coat a 9×13″ baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Add brussels sprouts in a single layer. Mist lightly with spray, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake 20-25 minutes.  Remove from oven, and mix in lime juice.  Sprinkle evenly with pumpkin seeds. Return to oven for 5 minutes, remove, then serve! Makes 4 servings.

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New York Fashion Week Recap: What’s on the horizon for Spring.

September 20, 2011 at 12:50 am , by nykiaspradley

Okay so we haven’t entered fall yet (officially), but we took a trip back stage during New York Fashion Week to get a sneak peek at what beauty trends are on the horizon for spring.

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How to Wear It: Not Your Mother’s Ponytail

September 12, 2011 at 11:42 am , by nykiaspradley

Stocking up on new school supplies—from shiny pens and mechanical pencils to completely revamped wardrobes—has become a Fall right of passage for children. But, why should the kiddies have all of the back-to-school fun? While you’re working on overhauling your own autumn wardrobe (FYI: peplum blazers, mustard hues, and polka dots are all the rage), don’t forget about your hair. Here is a grown-up ponytail style from celeb stylist David Lopez (his clients include the Glee cast—Heather Morris, Lea Michelle, and Diana Agron) to add to your autumn repertoire.

STEP 1: Prep your strands beforehand by applying a texture spray or mousse to the hair line and blowdry completely.  ”Don’t forget to blow dry the hair around the nape of your neck upwards towards the base,” says Lopez.

STEP 2: Gather all of your hair into a ponytail with a large paddle brush.  Use the top of your cheekbones as a guide to line the ponytail up and follow diagonally towards the crown.  ”I like to use a ‘wrap’ style ponytail holder but a snag free holder works just as well,” adds Lopez.  After securing your ponytail take a one inch section of hair and firmly wrap it around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic. This trick makes an otherwise sporty style look a bit more glam.

STEP 3: Use a large barrel curling iron and wrap large one inch sections to give the pony some bounce. A ponytail showcases the ends of your hair so smooth them with a light oil like Amika Obliphica Pure Oil too boost shine and definition.

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