NYC Event: Try Clinique's NEW Smart Custom Repair Serum At Bloomingdale's

Get ready, NYC ladies! Join Clinique for a Smart VIP event on Thursday, September 18th at Bloomingdale's 59th street. Clinique, the first dermatologist developed skin care brand will introduce beauty lovers to their latest skin care innovation - Smart Custom Repair Serum. The serum is so smart it understands the particular needs of individual skin. Innovative, right? The serum provides targeted custom repair for the damage you see and the damage you don't.

Shoppers who make a qualifying purchase including the new serum will have the opportunity to create a customized smartphone case designed on-the-spot by fashion illustrator Brooke Hagel.

Bloomingdales 59th

1000 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022

Thursday, September 18, 2014

6:00 - 8:00 p.m

RSVP at (212) 705-2879

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Essie At Nanette Lepore SS15

Nanette Lepore's Spring/Summer 2015 collection channeled California and the south of France in the 1960's. Julie Kandalec for essie created gradient nails using two shades - a mint green & a sheer white. We can't wait to try this look come spring! 

How-To Steps:

1. Apply first base base coat to clean, filed nails 
2. Next, apply two coats of mint candy apple
3. Once dry, dip a makeup sponge in blanc and blot polish over the tip of the nail
4. Then, take the makeup sponge and gently press halfway up the nail creating an opaque gradient away from the tip; less blanc pigment should be applied the further up on the nail you go
5. Follow with good to go top coat

NYFW Backstage Beauty: JINSoon For Karen Walker SS15

JINSoon created the nail look backstage for Karen Walker's Spring/Summer 2015 collection. The nail look was inspired by a garden. Think vivid color, rich hues, and literal green thumbs. Jin Soon Choi chose a sleek, green shade from her upcoming collection to complement the looks.

How-To Steps:

1. File and clean nails, removing all traces of polish
2. Apply JINsoon Power Coat base coat to prep the nails
3. Apply two coats of a forest green nail polish (the shade Jin used was from her upcoming JINsoon Spring 2015 Collection)
4. Finish by applying a single coat of JINsoon Top Gloss

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Stila Cosmetics At Trina Turk SS15

The Trend: Pop Art Perfection

Lead Artist: Sarah Lucero, Stila's Global Director of Creative Artistry

Designer Inspiration: "Trina's collection was inspired by the iconic LA Flower Mart, so we chose makeup in a bouquet of colors. The hues are like the petals of a flower, with a soft finish but opaque in color." - Sarah Lucero

Step-By-Step To Achieve The Look:

FACE: 
10-in-1 Illuminating Beauty Balm

EYES:
Smudge Stick in Turquoise
Mile High Mascara

CHEEKS:
Convertible Lips + Cheeks in Camellia

LIPS:
Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Carina

TOOLS:
Stay All Day Brows

TIPS:
Use the #15 brush to buff the turquoise smudge-stick into an opaque eye shadow across the lid.

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Essie At Altuzarra S/S 2015

Essie created the nail look for Altuzarra's Spring/Summer 2015 collection at New York Fashion Week. Michelle Saunders kept nails chic & feminine nail by using the same nude shade on both hands and feet. The most popular trend of the S/S 2015 season is clearly naked, fresh nails, and Essie's Spaghetti Strap is one of the top shades we recommend. 

Step-By-Step To Achieve The Look:

1. Apply first base base coat to clean, filed nails 
2. Once the base coat dries, apply one coat of spaghetti strap
3. Follow with good to go top coat

NYFW Backstage Beauty: All About Braids At SUNO SS15 With Kérastase

Images via Kessler Studios

Kerastase Lead Artist Odile Gilbert created the hairstyle for yesterday's SUNO S/S 2015 show... and it was all about braids! We've seen a quite a few braids this fashion season. From Marissa Webb to Mara Hoffman, the braids are coming in all shapes and sizes. For this show, Odile created a glossy cage herringbone braid look using products from Kerastase's iconic Couture Styling Collection. Step-by-Step breakdown below:

1. On dry hair, create a deep part using a tail comb
2. Starting at the roots, apply a generous amount of Forme Fatale to the top half of the hair for a voluminous, wet look
3. Comb hair back in an upwards wave on each side and secure with clips
4. Create a cage herringbone braid by parting the dry ends into three sections. Begin crossing the lengths over each other and underneath
5. Loosely deconstruct the braid for added volume and a lived in feel. Spray all over with Laque Noire for hold
6. Finish with Gloss Appeal for instant shine

NYFW Backstage Beauty: JINsoon For Tess Giberson SS15

JINsoon created the nail polish look backstage at Tess Giberson's S/S 2015 New York Fashion Week collection. The inspiration was Palm Beach in the '70s. JINsoon opted for a simple, muted look by adding a soft matte effect to a neutral off-white.

How-To Steps:

1. File and clean nails, removing all traces of polish and oil residue
2. Use a base coat to protect nail; Jin used JINsoon Power Coat
3. Apply two coats of JINsoon Kookie White
4. Finish by applying JINsoon Matte Maker

NYFW Backstage Beauty: Kérastase For Jason Wu SS15

Odile Gilbert created the hairstyle for Jason Wu's S/S 2015 Collection at New York Fashion Week using Kérastase Paris. The overlook look was a side-part low ponytail that was chic & channeled old Hollywood glamour.

Step-By-Step To Achieve The Look:

1. On dry hair, apply Mousse Bouffant and Ciment Thermique
2. With a paddle brush, blow dry in a backwards motion for volume
3. Using a tail comb, create a side part. Leave two-inch strips of hair on either side of the face and pull back the remaining hair and secure (temporarily) with a clip
4. Pulling hair from the clip, section by section, spray with Laque Dentelle and twist with your fingers before curling around a 2” barrel curling iron for added texture
5. Collect the two front strips and pull with the remaining length at the back of the head into a pony, securing at the nape of the neck with an elastic
6. Comb fingers through the lengths of hair to create a soft, natural look
7. Apply Baume Double Je to prevent fly-aways and secure hair in place

NYFW Backstage Beauty: NARS Cosmetics At Rachel Comey SS15

SHOW: Rachel Comey SS’15

LEAD ARTIST: Hannah Murray for NARS Cosmetics

LOOK: “Effortless handsome beauty. The brows are defined in a boyish, uncomplicated fashion and the lips are hydrated with balm.”

Below are the key products used to create the exclusive look:

FACE

Luminous Moisture Cream

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

CHEEK

Stick Concealer

Copacabana Multiple

Het Loo Satin Lip Pencil

BROW

Brow Perfector

EYES

Stick Concealer (in contour)

NYFW Backstage Beauty: TRESemmé at Marissa Webb SS15

TRESemmé Stylist Jeanie Syfu created two hairstyles for Marissa Webb's Spring/Summer 2015 Collection at New York Fashion Week. The collection played up the "downtown" woman on-the-go. Both hairstyles encompassed a feminine and edgy vibe. The first look (seen above) is the Braided Pompadour, which I can see many city girls wearing to add a little oomph to their everyday looks.

Braided Pompadour Step-By-Step:

1. Apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Mousse on damp hair and rough-dry ends for volume and texture. Finish blow-dry using a round brush to create fullness through the top of the head and the hairline.
2. Using the end of your comb, section off the center portion of the hair three-fourths of the way down and clip up.
3. Create a Dutch braid (in side out or reverse French braid) on both sides of the head using the loose hair, beginning at the temple and working your way to the nape of the neck. Braid the remaining lengths, leaving ends out, and fasten with a clear elastic.
4. Mist top section of hair with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Hair Spray and lightly brush along the part.
5. Begin French braid, leaving additional volume at the front and base. Gather hair along the part, working 90 degrees from the head, and finish braiding lengths of the hair leaving ends out. Fasten with clear elastic.
6. Gather all three braids and twist into a low bun, leaving ends loose.
7. Brush the completed French braid upward creating a wind blown effect and spray with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Hair Spray.

The second look (seen above) is the Five-Strand Braid. The hairstyle still had an edge, but with a bit more casual femininity. 

Five-Strand Braid Step-By-Step:

1. Prep damp hair with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Mousse and rough-dry the lengths with fingers for texture and lift. Finish blow-dry with a round brush at the hairline for a soft, airy perimeter of wisps.
2. Once hair is dry, create a deep side part on the right side of the head, then back-brush hair for extra volume and spray lightly with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Hair Spray.
3. Divide hair into five equal strands at the nape of the neck and begin weaving the farthest right section over and under each part, working your way to the left.
4. Take the furthest left section of hair and weave over and under each part, working your way to the right.
5. Repeat steps four and five until braid is complete, leaving ends loose and fasten with a clear elastic.
6. Loosen braid by gently pulling apart and leave airy wisps to frame the face. Mist finished look with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Hair Spray.

NYFW Backstage Beauty: butter LONDON At Tadashi Shoji SS15

Katie Jane Hughes, butter LONDON's Global Colour Ambassador created the above nail design for Tadashi Shoji's SS15 New York Fashion Week show. The Golden Palace of Venice was the inspiration. Tadashi's collection is full of intricate detailing and the colors of Venice inspire the palette - glowing pastels of frosted jade, pink shadow and blue stone are built up in the layers.

Steps to achieve the look:

• Apply butter LONDON Nail Foundation mixed with the new butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in High Tea (available 2015) to create a clean, nude base.
• Use butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in The Full Monty applied with the Striping Brush (available in the butter LONDON Colour Hardwear Nail Art Tool Kit) to create a diagonal mesh-like pattern.

NYFW Backstage Beauty: NARS Cosmetics At Tome SS15

Fashion Week kicked off in New York yesterday, and I headed backstage to cover the upcoming beauty trends for Spring 2015. Here's a closer look at Tome with NARS Cosmetics. 

LEAD ARTIST: James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry

LOOK: “The inspiration for the collection came from two Indian artists – Rukmini Devi, a classical dancer and Dayanita Singh, a contemporary photographer – who represent the richness and diversity of old and new India.  The look fuses traditional elements of the Indian culture and modern makeup. The skin is very matte, with a clean, liquid eyeliner on the top eyelid, no mascara. Some girls will have a pale, chalky-pink lip.”

Below are the key products used to create the look:

FACE:

Stick Concealer

All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (New for Spring 2015, for now try Sheer Matte Foundation)
Soft Velvet Loose Powder (New for Spring 2015, for now try Loose Powder)

EYES:

Black Valley Eye Paint

LIPS:

Silvia Audacious Lipstick

Santa Monica Boulevard Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner (layered over lipstick and blended in)

Meet Me At Bergdorf Goodman For A Beauty Happy Hour With Guerlain

Join me today, August 27th at Bergdorf Goodman for a beauty happy hour with Guerlain! Guerlain has easily become one of my favorite beauty brands, and they just revamped their KissKiss' lipstick collection. The collection features 25 new stunning shades with an updated formula. KissKiss' unique formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid spheres, which gives lips a plumping effect. Commiphora Myrrha oil and mango also help ensure lips are silky smooth and hydrated. The texture is out of this world, so stop by! We can talk beauty, sip cocktails & celebrate. Hope to see you! RSVP HERE.

New NYC Beauty Locations To Visit: Paintbox Nails, Rouge New York & More!

Everyday new beauty salons are popping up all over the city. It can be difficult to sort through and find quality locations that soon become new favorites. I've recently visited a few new locations that were quickly added to my recommendation list. From chic gel manicures to beauty makeovers, here the best of the best to add to your must visit list.

Paintbox | 17 Crosby Street. New York, NY 10013

(212) 219-2412

Paintbox is a luxurious nail studio located in Soho (right next to the Mondrian hotel) with a modern twist on the traditional nail salon. It was founded by Eleanor Langston, a veteran magazine beauty editor. It's chic, beautiful and features 18 nail stations. The focus is on sophisticated art nail with a menu of looks to choose from. With names like Ray of Light, Paint Ball, and Weekend Update, you'll never have boring nails again! You won't see walls of nail polish either - in fact, the nail technicians head off the floor to assemble the necessary colors and tools to create each unique look. Services include regular manicures, gel manicures, and polish changes. The nail studio also features a manicure photo booth that instantly sends a photo to your email address. You can book appointments online or by phone. Kayo was my manicurist and she did a wonderful job. I'll be back soon! 

Rouge New York | 130 Thompson St, New York, NY 10012 (Between Houston St and Prince St, Soho)

(212) 388-1717

Introducing New York's newest makeup salon, Rouge New York. The salon was founded by Law and Order: SVU's makeup department head Rebecca Perkins and actress Stephanie March. The women had a vision for a makeup salon that was affordable and would be there to help with any big day - a job interview, a first date or even just a night out. Choose from an array of looks: You.. Only Better, enhances your natural features or Total Polish, a glamorous makeover to make you camera ready. Walk-ins are accepted or you can easily book online.

NARS Madison Ave | 971 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10021 (76th St)

(212) 388-1717

NARS Cosmetics announced the opening of its second New York flagship boutique. The 700-square-foot space will feature makeup artists personally trained by François Nars and unique 413 BLKR products – named for the first NARS boutique. The location opens officially on May 16th.

Sephora | Queens Center Mall, 90-15 Queens Blvd. Space #2073 Elmhurst, NY 11373

(718) 271-3969

It's always an exciting day when a new Sephora location is announced. The boutique at Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst is a virtual paradise with over 13,000 products from more than 200 brands! Sephora, for me, is an endless candy store. With brands like Guerlain, Marc Jacons, FORMULA X, Hourglass, and Josie Maran, it's hard not to get hooked.

#NYFW Backstage Beauty: Marc Jacobs Autumn/Winter 2014

NARS created the look for the Marc Jacobs AW ‘14 runway show. Lead artist François Nars said "The makeup look was really inspired by the collection, which is very "matte." There's nothing too silky and I wanted that to translate to the makeup. The models look like mannequins. The eyelid is a pale neutral grey and we made it look bigger by foregoing mascara. The lips have a touch of frosted metallic silver. We used a lot of powder for a matte, porcelain finish."

Get the look:

FACE

NARSskin Luminous Moisture Cream

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Radiant Creamy Concealer

Loose Powder

CHEEKS

Zen Blush

Douceur Blush

Sex Appeal Blush

EYES

Andromeda Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow (New for Summer 2014, for now try the silver side of Tokyo Duo Eyeshadow)

Sheer white shimmer side of Pandora Duo Eyeshadow

Sugared cocoa side of Kalahari Duo Eyeshadow

Sophia Single Eyeshadow

LIPS

Striptease Lip Gloss

Dione Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow (New for Summer 2014, for not try the shimmer side of All About Eve Duo Eyeshadow)

Kendall Jenner via Getty

 

#NYFW Backstage Beauty: Rodarte Autumn/Winter 2014

NARS created the look for the Rodarte AW ‘14 runway show. Lead artist, James Kaliardos said, "This is delicate and youthful beauty. The look is ephemeral and nostalgic creating a beautiful glow."

Get the look:

FACE
NARSskin Luminous Moisture Cream

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Radiant Creamy Concealer

Pressed Powder

CHEEKS

Unlawful Blush (New for Fall 2014, for now try Torrid Blush)

Anguilla Matte Multiple

EYES

Chocolate side of Dolomites Duo Eyeshadow (New for Fall 2014, for now try Sophia Eyeshadow)

Larger Than Life® Lengthening Mascara

BROWS

Chocolate side of Dolomites Duo Eyeshadow (New for Fall 2014, for now try Sophia Eyeshadow)

Brow Gel

LIGHT LIP

El Agua Velvet Lip Liner Pencil (New for Fall 2014, for now try Rosebud Lip Liner Pencil)

Dominique Audacious Lipstick (New for Fall 2014, for now try Biscayne Park Satin Lip Pencil)

Anguilla Matte Multiple

DARK LIP

Mambo Eyeliner

Deborah Audacious Lipstick (New for Fall 2014, for now try Pigalle Semi Matte Lipstick)

Rouge Tribal Larger Than Life® Lip Gloss

 

#NYFW Backstage Beauty: Helmut Lang Autumn/Winter 2014

There isn't much I love more than a sultry, soft smokey eye. Hannah Murray for NARS Cosmetics perfected this backstage at Helmut Lang's Autumn/Winter 2014 show. She said, "The Helmut girl this season is tough and masculine with a refined polish. I loved the idea of a rich burgundy wash on the eyelid giving a hint of punk in a very beautiful minimal way."

Get the look:

FACE

NARSskin Total Replenishing Eye Cream
NARSskin Luminous Moisture Cream

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Copacabana Multiple

CHEEKS

Orgasm Blush

EYES

Deborah Audacious Lipstick (New for Fall 2014, for now try Pigalle Semi Matte Lipstick)

Heat Pressed Powder

LIPS

Stick Concealer

#NYFW Backstage Beauty: More Nude Nails With Essie At Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang & More!

Backstage at Alexander Wang

One thing is clear this Fashion Week - it's all about the nude nails. Naked, fresh nails are dominating the runways and it's no wonder as a soft cream shade is perfect to compliment any outfit color. Let's start with Alexander Wang. Michelle Saunder for Essie created a chalky, soft beige nail by layering two classic colors under matter about you top coast.

Get the look: 

1. Apply ridge filling base coat to clean, filed nails 

2. Once the base coat dries, apply one coat of sand tropez 

3. Next, apply one coat of mademoiselle 

4. To finish, apply matte about you top coat

The nails for Helmut Lang stayed neutral to compliment the vibrant red, black and neutral colors of the new collection. Julie Kandalec for Essie created a chic nude by layering two nude shades.

Get the look: 

1. Apply one coat of adore-a-ball 

2. Once dry, apply one coat of ridge filling base coat 

3. To finish off the nude look, apply one coat of allure

Finally, Jill Stuart took her "it girls" of today to reformed rock n'roll ladies. Rita Remark for Essie created an updated nude nail that was soft with an edgy matte finish.

Get the look: 

1. Apply ridge filling base coat to clean, filed nails 

2. Once the base coat dries, apply two thin coats of allure 

3. Finish off the look with one coat of matte about you top coat 

Which nude look is your favorite?

#NYFW Backstage Beauty: Essie At Altuzarra Fall/Winter 2014

Ladies, the french manicure is back... at least that was the scene backstage at Altuzarra's Fall/Winter '14 New York Fashion Week show. The nails by Essie were elegant and perfectly complemented Altuzarra new collection, which included bold pops of color and contrasting textures. To create the classic french Essie first applied first base coat to clean, filed nails. Next, they applied one coat of ridge filling base coat to create a creamier, neutral shade. Using allure, brush on a neat arc across the free edge of the nail and let dry. Finish off the look with good to go top coat.

Viola! Soft, classic nails and a subtle french.

Get Ready, Brooklyn. Sephora is Coming! #SephoraBK

Attention Beauty Lovers: Sephora is opening its first store in Brooklyn today, November 1st. It's a huge step for the company and great news for Brooklyn locals as their favorite beauty shop is now a bit closer than before. The new 8,039 square foot, free-standing Sephora store in Brooklyn will offer over 13,000 products from more than 200 brands. To kick out the grand opening, Sephora will award the first 100 clients a Sephora gift card with mystery values worth up to $1000! Stop by on Friday, November 1st at 8 AM and Saturday, November 2nd at 9 AM.

So what else can you look forward to at Sephora Brooklyn?

Must-Have of the Moment – Experience Marc Jacobs Beauty, an assortment of 16 innovative complexion and color cosmetics and four chic and luxurious makeup brushes, available exclusively at Sephora. Marc’s rule-breaking creativity is at the heart of his makeup vision, and inspires you to push the boundaries and create your own style. From state-of-the-art complexion products that offer tomorrow’s technology today, like Remedy Concealer Pen, to Lash Lifter Gel Volume Mascara, which comes in an extraordinary shade, Blacquer, invented for the blackest, shiniest black, each of the 120 products encourages you to indulge in the impeccably exquisite textures, take liberties with his provocative shades and play with his daring designs.

Transform your look in minutes. Come to SEPHORA Brooklyn for a complimentary Express Service at the SEPHORA Beauty Studio, the place for one-on-one beauty sessions with our experts. Services offered include: Blush & Bronze, Flawless Foundation + COLOR IQ, Treat & Conceal, Beautiful Skin, Smoky Eye, Faux Lashes, Perfect Lips, Everyday Eye and Essential Eyeliner. With a Custom Makeover, get the look you want, for every day or a special event, custom-created in a private 60-minute makeup session with an expert artist. Plus, get tips and techniques to recreate it on your own. Minimum $50 purchase required.

Get privileged! Get rewarded!  Get personal!  Join Beauty Insider today to get behind the beauty velvet rope access to Insider-only products, exclusive samples, birthday gifts and an all-access pass to personalized beauty. Already a member?  Update your SEPHORA status and become part of the premium rewards program, Very Important Beauty Insider (VIB).  Not only will you receive all the fabulous BI perks, VIB status will also grant you additional benefits, from large in-store and online discounts to free VIB-only beauty bonuses and an invite to a private Holiday Shopping Party. The VIB ROUGE level, the premium new membership level for the most fervent product junkies, offers unparalleled insider access to one-of-a-kind experiences and rewards like limited-list events with brand founders and celebrities, advance access to new products, free shipping on Sephora.com, unlimited complimentary services at the SEPHORA Beauty Studio, access to once in a lifetime rewards, and your own beauty concierge hotline.

It’s a birthday celebration for you and SEPHORA Brooklyn! It may be SEPHORA’s birthday in Brooklyn, but the celebration doesn't stop at the store opening.  As a Beauty Insider or VIB, you’re also eligible to receive a special gift – Benefit Real Birthday Turn-Ons! Check your e-mail, mail or simply come back to SEPHORA Brooklyn or any other SEPHORA location, within a few weeks of your birthday to pick up the special gift SEPHORA has waiting for you!

Sephora Beauty Insiders can also receive an exclusive Sephora Brooklyn tote bag, with any $50 or more purchase. They'll be a Sephora photo booth & Morris Kitchen will be servicing Brooklyn treats.

Sephora Brooklyn

210 Joralemon Street

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Store Hours:

Mon-Sat: 10 am to 9 pm

Sun: 11 am to 8 pm