New Beauty | Hourglass Vanish Foundation, BeautyBlender Electric Violet Swirl

From a new liquid foundation to a 4-in-1 treatment mist, we're excited about all the new products launching in the beautysphere. Here's what on our radar this month. 

Hourglass Vanish Seamless FinishLiquid Foundation, $56

Your favorite vegan, cruelty-free brand has just launched a new liquid foundation that’s full coverage with no primer required. It applies like a second skin, creating a smooth and flawless complexion. Light-reflecting micro-spheres blur and create a soft-focus finish, so skip the filter. The best part? The formula is waterproof, transfer-proof, and sweat-proof. ✔

Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen, $98

Rejuvenate and restore skin’s bounce while you sleep with Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen. This buttery cream utilizes vegan active collagen and microalgae oil to plump skin. You’ll awaken to fresh, radiant, and renewed skin.

Stila Little White Lies Heavenly Highlighting Palette, $45

Get ready to glow with Stila’s Little White Lies Heavenly Highlighting Palette. The palette features three pearl-toned highlighters. The highlighters appear white in color, but each shade has an underlying tone – choose from pink, yellow or silver. The texture is a hybrid cream/powder that melts into skin. Shimmer-time!

BeautyBlender Electric Violet Swirl, $20

We’re always excited when beautyblender unveils a new shade in their best-selling blending sponge. This radiant, purple hue is marbleized with white to brighten up any vanity. It features the same aqua-activated material as the original beautyblender for a flawless finish. 

ELEMIS Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist, $33

This 4-in-1 treatment mist is infused with antioxidant rich Superfoods, including Rooibos Tea Extract and vegan, soy-derived Kefir Ferment to soothe and brighten the complexion. Organic Aloe Vera and Coconut Water help to balance the skin, leaving it beautifully hydrated with a healthy-looking glow.

Which new beauty product are you looking forward to trying?

Glow Time: Highlighters We Love

Like any true beauty girl, I'm a sucker for a good highlighter. My collection continues to grow as time goes by and with #strobing (aka highlighting) being the latest trend in the industry, I don't see it shrinking anytime soon. Here are my top new highlighter picks.

Hourglass Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder in Brilliant, $38

Hourglass recently launched a collection of illuminating strobing powders designed to sculpt the face with light, creating depth and dimension for a refined, natural-looking highlight. You can use wet or dry and it's recommended to use with Ambient Strobe Light Sculptor (sold separately) for the most effortless application. 

Hourglass Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder in Incandescent, $38

Hourglass Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder in Iridescent, $38

Hourglass Ambient® Strobe Lighting Powder in Euphoric, $38

Laura Mercier Indiscretion Face Illuminator Powder, $44

A long-wearing, buildable and versatile highlighting powder that provides a natural-looking, radiant, allover glow. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow, $40

My newest obsession are the Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits. The kit features four metallic powder highlighters that are highly blendable and bring instant luminosity to the complexion. Hello radiance!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in Gleam, $40

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003, $72

Pat McGrath Labs introduces your new obsession – Skin Fetish 003, two transformative three-piece kits for sinfully sublime skin. These addictive trios take highlighting to the next level – from bare, dewy divinity to stunning luminosity beyond the spectrum. Skin Fetish 003 will be available starting at 12pm on Tuesday, April 26th at www.patmcgrath.com. You can find in select Sephora stores and on sephora.com on May 10th. Mark your calendars - this limited edition collection will surely sell out!

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 in Nude, $72

Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish 003 in Golden, $72

Any of these highlighters on your wishlist? 

10 Beauty New Year's Resolutions for 2016

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Goodbye 2015. Hello 2016! The end of the year bought many thoughts of resolutions and all I hope to accomplish this upcoming year. 2015 was filled with some of my favorite memories. From traveling to Maui with my fiancée to attending my first music festival (Governors Ball with Dove!), it was definitely a year to remember. I also collaborated with a few of my favorite brands, such as Tria, Revlon, Boots Beauty, and Head & Shoulders!

This year, my resolutions are pretty simple. I've learned that the most important thing in life is to be happy and surround yourself with people you love and care about. As a beauty girl, I'm always looking for ways to improve myself and my beauty routine. Here's are my 10 beauty resolutions for 2016!

Resolution #1: Get enough sleep every night

I've always been a night owl, but it's important to get a full night's rest every single night. I'm notorious for staying up to the early hours of the morning to finish a story or project. This year, I vow to sleep better and get more rest. My pillows have just become more cozy thanks to my new iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase. It helps fight wrinkles while you sleep. That's pretty much a win-win.

Resolution #2: Experiment with makeup more

I'm a victim of routine and I want to be more bold with makeup this year. My signature look has always been a nude lip with winged eyeliner. This year, I plan to experiment with more with color and get out my comfort zone.

Resolution #3: Wear sunscreen everyday

Sunscreen is the most important part of anyone's beauty routine. Good makeup starts with great skin and the sun is very harsh. I've already starting adding items to my daily routine. I normally prime with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15 and often use Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20. I also adore Supergoop! Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 to set makeup and touch-up throughout the day.

Resolution #4: Clean makeup brushes more often

I own so many brushes that I normally swap out dirty ones with new and then I'm left with 50+ brushes to wash. I vow to be less lazy and clean my brushes more often. Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo is the best cleanser for brushes and the Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove is a lifesaver.

Resolution #5: Tone my body

For years my New Year's Resolution was always to lose weight and I'm finally starting to accept my size. It's okay not to be thin, but it's important to be healthy. My biggest goal for 2016 is to tone up my body and workout on a more regular basis.

Resolution #6: Eat healthier

This resolution ties into my previous one. I eat healthy on occasion, but I want to be more conscious of the food I'm putting in my body. When you're constantly on the go, it can be difficult to stop and order something that's actually good for you (plus, I love french fries). I've already begun purchasing more healthy items at my local supermarket. Incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my meals is also easy to do!

Resolution #7: Take vitamins daily

I recently tried Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies with Biotin and was surprised at how yummy they tasted. These gummies feature Vitamin C and Biotin for glowing skin, lustrous hair, and strong healthy nails. I recommend adding these to your routine. Set an alarm to remind you or just take with your morning coffee!

Resolution #8: Swap out makeup weekly

Being a beauty editor has it perks and one of them is getting to test new beauty products often. This also means that I've become a bit of hoarder with items living all over the house! I've started swapping out old products with new and vice versa, so every item gets a chance to shine. I have drawers dedicated to items (lipstick, bronzers, highlighters, etc.) and weekly, I swap products for different ones. Doing it weekly or bi-weekly helps me remember what I actually have and let's me fall in love with old products all over again.

Resolution #9: Wash hair less, deep condition more

I have fine, curly hair, so it gets tangled very easily. This causes me to wash my hair almost every day. While it's okay to wash hair often, you shouldn't wash your hair every day because of the natural oils on you hair and scalp. Your natural oils actually keep hair healthy and shiny. By washing daily, you're missing out on the benefits of natural oils. Not only do I plan to cut down on washes, but I also plan to deep condition more often. You can skip shampoo and deep condition to repair and nourish strands on an off day. Hair Food recently sent over their Moisturizing Hair Mask and Hair Food Apricot Conditioner and I could see a huge difference in my locks after washing. Try this product; you won't be sorry!

Resolution #10: Use more natural products

I want to add more all-natural items into my beauty routine and pay more attention to the ingredients in my products. Coconut oil was a big beauty trend in 2015 and there's a lot to be said about the benefits of natural beauty products. Brands like Tata Harper, REN, Kahina Giving Beauty and Nude are just some of the natural brands you can add to your skincare collection.

What are your New Year's Resolutions for 2016?

Pantone Color 2016: How To Incorporate Serenity & Rose Quartz Into Your Beauty Routine

As the end of the year quickly approaches, the possibilities for the New Year are endless. What are some of your goals and desires for 2016? Lets start the New Year off right with Serenity and Rose Quartz! These are the Pantone colors of the year; will you be on top of the latest trend? These are said to be the IT colors for the upcoming year, we will see these colors in everything from fashion, home décor, nails and our favorite makeup. This is the first time that Pantone has ever chosen two colors of the year. We're not alone in the excitement of these shades; some of your favorite brands have already started coming out with products in these trendy colors.

Lets start with nails; Sally Hansen and Smith + Cult Lacquers already have colors in these nail shades. For Rose Quartz options, you can try Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Petal Pusher or Smith + Cult in Pillow Pie. For Serenity options, you can try Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sugar Fix or Smith + Cult in Cut The Mullet.

It Cosmetics has also come out with their Pantone inspired lip glosses. These Vitality Lip Blush™ Hydrating Gloss Stains are extremely hydrating and infused with oils and butters for the most luxurious feeling on lips (no stickiness)! Try shades Je Ne Sais Quoi and News Anchor Blue. Smith + Cult's Life in Photographs is also a light and gorgeous lip lacquer with a hint of shimmer. If you're not much of a gloss girl, KORRES Lip Butter in Jasmine is the way to go! It's a small jar packed with luxurious butter to leave lips smooth and slightly rosy.

One of our favorite brands, Hourglass Cosmetics, has a beautiful Ethereal Glow blush that gives off that rose quartz glow. We can't forget eyes - Sonia Kashuk's Fair & Square Eye Shadow Quad brings different shades of the rose color we all adore and offers textures of sparkle or matte without breaking the bank. Elizabeth Arden also offers new staple colors in Innocence (rose quartz) and Sky (Serenity). These two shadows can be worn lightly and eventually be built up for a evening look.

Last but certainly not least, Sephora has teamed up with Pantone to create the Pantone Color of the Year 2016 Collection! This collection will highlight Rose Quartz and Serenity for eyes and lips. For lips, the collection will include a Layer Lipstick, which will have a velvety smooth rose finish, and a Matte Color of the Year Lipstick in Serenity, which will be a lovely pastel blue. Some of you may be thinking, "how can I incorporate blue into my daily routine?" Don't worry! This lipstick can go from subtle to bold. We obviously can't have a collection without some fabulous lip-glosses, so the color of the year Modern Watercolors Lip Gloss Set will feature six pastel shades. Lastly, you'll want bold and beautiful eyes. The Modern Watercolors Eyes Palette will contain 24 shadows. Staple shades will be included as well as bold colors. This collection is available now at all Sephora locations.

Will you be picking up any of these Pantone inspired products?

This is a guest post written by Imani Wood-Rodriguez.

Case of the Mondays - 6 Products To Cure Those End of Weekend Blues

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Another Summer weekend gone... Is it just me or do you feel like this summer flew by? I looked at the calendar this morning and couldn't believe there is only one more weekend of August left. Can we please have more summer weekends? Pretty please?

Here's my top Monday picks to cure those end of weekend (and summer) blues!

bareMinerals bareSkin® Complete Coverage Serum Concealer, $20

This new serum concealer from bareMinerals instantly covers the appearance of dark circles, discoloration and other imperfections for an even-toned complexion. Skin appears brighter and smoother - here's to looking rested after a long weekend!

SEPHORA introduces PLAY! by SEPHORA, monthly subscription box, $10 per month

SEPHORA made an exciting announcement with their launch of PLAY! by SEPHORA. PLAY! is an innovative new monthly subscription box that takes product discovery to a new level. Beauty lovers can receive the latest in prestige beauty available at SEPHORA sent monthly to their home for only $10. Each box will be curated around a specific theme, and contain five popular, high-performance, deluxe-size, prestige products. A limited amount of PLAY! by SEPHORA subscriptions will be available in select markets beginning September 2015, with a full national launch in early 2016. You can sign up for early access at www.sephora.com/play.

Nordstrom's 2015 Anniversary Sale: Beauty Exclusives

It's that time again for Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale! The best time of the year to shop all their beauty exclusives before the prices go up on Sunday, August 2nd. The annual event features unbeatable values on exclusive, limited-edition offerings from your favorite beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel, MAC Cosmetics, Clarisonic, GlamGlow, Kate Somerville, Kiehl's, La Mer, NARS, Hourglass Cosmetics, YSL Beauty and more. Shop my top must-haves below!

Case Of The Mondays - 6 Products To Help You Get Through The Week

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Did you have a good weekend? My weekend was the most delightful. The weather was perfect and it's obvious spring has sprung in the city. I spent Saturday at The Makeup Show preview celebrating their 10 year anniversary! Did you know the makeup show is the largest pro-only makeup event in the U.S.? I never miss the show and I'm thrilled to see it grow the way it has. On Sunday, my fiancée and I went to the Central Park Zoo and then had a picnic in the park.

Alas, back to the grind. Here are the products helping start my week off right.

Hourglass Ambient Bronzer, $50
There hasn't been an Hourglass product I didn't like. From their stunning packaging to their buttery smooth textures, it's hard not to fall head over heels for Hourglass. I own most of their product line, including the best-selling Ambient light blushes and highlighters. A bronzer was a must-have for me. This one comes in two shades - Radiant Bronze Light and Luminous Bronze Light. Go for luminous if you want a lighter shade.

NARS Eye Lashes, $20
It's an exciting day when NARS launches a new product. You can now purchase eight different eyelash looks all designed by François Nars. These natural faux lashes will add drama and intensity to your look and are reusable.

SK-II Limited Edition Mother's Day Facial Treatment Essence, $205
I've recently become obsessed with SK-II's facial treatment essence, so I love when they collaborate for limited edition packaging. This collaboration is once again with Taiwanese artist Po Chih Huang. The new pink rose represents gratefulness and appreciation. 

Lipstick Queen Cupid's Bow, $22
Nothing like a jumbo lip pencil to start the day. These Lipstick Queen lippys are packed with pigment and work as a lipstick and lip liner for perfect precision. 8 shades in total to choose from. The inspiration for the lipsticks come from the precision of Cupid's arrow, get it?

Illamasqua Gel Sculpt and Gel Color, $37
Introducing the brand's first contouring stick and collection of cheek tints. The formula is lightweight and waterproof - it blends effortlessly into the skin and creates a subtle contoured look.

Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette, $46
Kat Von D has been hitting it out of the park lately with her palettes. This eye contouring palette features three color quads in neutral, cool, and warm shades. The colors are a great blend of shades and can create many looks. The pigments are wonderful, too! 

What products are you using today?

Beauty News: New York Color's New Global Brand Ambassador, Hourglass Debuts Flagship in LA, & More!

It's another busy week in the beauty world. From new stores openings to new product launches, it's an exciting time for the beauty industry. Plus, Holiday is inching closer and closer. More on that soon.. but first, let's chat about the newness.

Hourglass Debuts Flagship in LA | 1351 Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Venice, CA
310.392.3409

Hourglass Cosmetics, one of my all-time favorite brands, opened their newest Flagship in LA. The location is the brands first retail store and matches it's luxury quality. The 1400-square-foot space will carry exclusive merchandise, including a skincare capsule, and offer unique makeup services.

Oscars 2014 Beauty Favorite: Nude Lips & Sultry Eyes

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The Oscars will soon be a distant memory, but the leading ladies' beauty looks will live on. The red carpet was filled with stunning dresses, sparkly baubles, and incredibly gorgeous makeups. The trend on the carpet was clearly nude lips and smokey eyes seen on almost all the nominated females, including Jennifer Lawrence above at the after party. We've gathered the best looks of the night and made a mental note to recreate these looks ASAP.

Get The Look: Kerry Washington At The Emmys 2013

Scandal star, Kerry Washington wore a Marchesa gown to tonight's Emmy Awards. Makeup artist Carola Gonzalez created this romantic makeup look using Hourglass Cosmetics to compliment her delicate gown. She combined velvety matte skin, purple lids and luminous cheeks for a look that was as pretty as the floral in her gown.

Here’s how to replicate the look:

COMPLEXION: Prime the skin with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, and follow with Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation in warm beige. “I’m really impressed with the airbrushed finish this foundation creates,” says Gonzalez. “And I really don’t need to use powder anymore.” Conceal any imperfections with Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer in honey.

BROWS: Define the brows with Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Dark Brunette.

EYES: Apply the mauve shimmer shade from Hourglass Visionaire Eye Shadow Duo in Exhibition to the inner corner of the eyes and the lids, and the eggplant shimmer shade to the outer edge of the eye and beneath the bottom lash line. Blend the two shades together. Apply Ardell Natural Lashes in 110, line the eyes with Hourglass Script Precision Liner in Jett, and finish off with three coats of Hourglass Film Noir Full Spectrum Mascara.

CHEEKS: Apply Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Radiant Light on the cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin. Apply Lancôme Blush Subtil in Sparkling Rose to the apples of the cheeks and sweep towards the temples.

LIPS: Prep lips earlier with Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil for superior hydration. Apply Hourglass Extreme Sheen Lip Gloss in Truth, a beige rose, for the finishing touch.

Fitness Ready | Products To Use Before & After Your Workout

Summer is nearly here and I'm ready trying to get back into a normal, consistent gym routine. I've never been what you would call a gym person, but my girlfriend goes multiple times a week and is trying to get me to be more active. Here are a few of mine (and her) favorites to try before and after your next workout.

Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick Review

Check out these buttery smooth lipsticks from Hourglass Cosmetics. The packaging is sleek, luxurious and sexy. Seen above from left to right: Peace, Vintage, Mural, Fawn, and Icon. I can't get over how amazing they feel. The best part? Each lipstick is water-resistant, long-lasting, and paraben-free. Can you say winning?

Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous

Who doesn't love a good highlighter? I think I may have found my new favorite - Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Powder in 'Luminous' ($45). Just a dash on the cheekbones, bridge of nose and you're ready to go.

Hourglass Cosmetics At La Perla's Fall 2013 Presentation | New York Fashion Week

Makeup artist Moani Lee created the look for La Perla's Fall 2013 presentation using Hourglass Cosmetics. La Perla presentations are always glamorous, sultry and sexy. This one was no different. La Perla designer Giovanni Bianchi looked to Spain for inspiration, specifically the moody color palette of painter Francisco Goya, and the embellished livery of bullfighters. La Perla's Black Label collection featured mysterious themes including erotic art and surrealism. Keep reading after the jump to see the breakdown of both looks and the stunning lingerie.

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

My Newest Obsession - Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders

GASP. Aren't they amazing? Meet Hourglass Cosmetics Ambient Lighting Powder. Six universal finishing powders help create the lighting effect we all so desperately desire. These gorgeous little power compacts are infused with technologically advanced soft-focus particles that help make skin appear younger, even-toned and radiant. Choose from Diffused Light (soft, warm yellow), Ethereal Light (opalescent sheer, cool white powder), Radiant Light (sun-kissed golden beige), Mood Light (soft, sheer lavender pink powder), Dim Light (neutral peach beige powder) or Luminous Light (champagne pearl powder.) 

Availiable February 2013 at Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Sephora, and Space NK. Retails for $45.