Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category

I’m really not one for extra hair primping and the fuss associated with it. Previously, the thought of curling my hair  felt tedious and little too high school prom-ish pour moi. However, I recently tried out the Infiniti curler by Conair You Curl and this gizmo has literally changed my perspective on the art of curling hair. Here’s how it all went down:

I was skeptical about how great it would actually be since there’s no clamp and you have to use your fingers to hold your hair in place once you curl it around the ceramic barrel. Turns out, the You Curl is easier to use than a traditional curling iron because you actually have control over how curly you want your hair and where you want your curls. Another key incentive is that the iron heats up super fast and has five different settings depending upon how thick, thin, or sensitive your locks are – you don’t want them to start smoking!  The You Curl also stays heated for as long as your using it; no unplugging and plugging back in like those ghetto curling irons (I know we’ve all experienced that!).

I’ve been using mine in the morning before work or before I head out at night to add some extra volume and zest to my hair. Since it doesn’t taking long a long time for the You Curl to heat up and it’s super easy to curl my locks, I’m able to add a few curls around my head for extra bounce and fullness in about five minutes. This is pretty amazing if you keep in mind that my hair is long, naturally straight, and slightly thick. I top off the curls with splash of Elenett hairspray and I’m good to go for the whole day or night.

If you keep things low maintenance like me and are looking for a way to jazz up your look, then this is  a good investment. Even for those that are curl pros, this may be a good time saver and quality item worth checking out.

Infiniti by Conair You Curl $44.99 available online and most major retailers

Disclosure: This product was provided for free to review. This has not impacted the opinion of the author.

Diesel’s fragrance, Only The Brave, already has rave reviews from men and women for it’s sexy scent. In honor of the blockbuster film, Ironman, Diesel took it’s aroma to the next level with a little Hollywood and comic book inspiration.

Diesel  re-imagined its Only The Brave fist design in bold red and gold colors for a limited time, evoking the power and strength of Iron Man. The fragrance is housed in a unique, one-of-a-kind box featuring graphics from the original Iron Man comic.

CONTEST: In honor of this awesome film and fragrance, We’re giving away the scent to one lucky reader!

How to enter? Simply leave a comment on this post telling us why your guy is an Ironman!

Rules: Must live within the continental US, include email in post (will not be published), contest open for one week, will close 12pm July 4th (PST time). Winner will be selected at random and notified via email.

Diesel’s Only The Brave Iron Man  is available at major department stores like Macy’s, Dillard’s, Belk, Bon Ton and Diesel boutiques, and online.  Eau de Toilette 2.5oz, $67.50

Pucker Up: For a poutier lips, Napoleon Perdis recommends “Applying concealer on the lip line to highlight the natural contours”. To achieve this look, try Napoleon Perdis Concealer. The unique cream formula conceals and hydrates the skin. Perfect for the delicate eye area or for achieving that poutier looking lip! PRO TIP: Use Synthetic Brushes for best control and coverage.

Add Drama: The more contrast between the lid colour and the brow bone colour, the more dramatic your look will be. To achieve a little bit of extra drama try Eye Patrol eye shadow. Its light weight texture can produce a light wash over the eye, or be built up for intensity when layered. PRO TIP: Press on with brush then blend to show your true colors.

Start to Gel: Gel eyeliner that dries to powder won’t budge—it will see you through till all hours! So if you’re planning to paint the town red, Napoleon suggests using his China Doll Eyeliner. The gel formula creates a versatile finish—easy to smoke or define with no messy fallout. Smudge-proof, water-resistant and quick-drying, this liner is ideal for hot summer nights! PRO TIP: For truly defined eyes, load lashes with Napoleon Perdis’ Mascara!

Fake it: Apply false eyelashes—fluttery not flattery, will get you everywhere! Try Napoleon’s Lash Patrol for natural looking results. Lash Patrol comes in a variety of lengths and is suitable for any look, from the office to high fashion. PRO TIP: Angle to prevent tangle, keeping it real, follow your lash direction and mimic Mother Nature to perfection!

After every long night out, it’s important for every girl to know how to flawlessly transition her look from evening to early morning. Napoleon suggests:

Clever Concealing: Use a corrective concealer to eliminate unwanted under-eye discoloration when the late nights start to take their toll. To eliminate dark circles under the eye area, use an orange-based concealer.

Remove the Red: Eyes get red when blood vessels become irritated due to dry air, sun exposure, dust or allergies. To remedy red eyes keep eye drops on hand.

Get Blotting: Alternate your touch-ups between blotting paper and powder to minimize buildup and maintain a fresh look at any hour.

For Napoleon Perdis product info please visit NapoleonPerdis.com

I’ve gone gift guide mad and written a whopping SEVEN gift guides for Examiner.com. You can read them all below, I’m positive there’s at least a few things you’ll want to covet or gift!

Gifting for your gal pals!

Last minute gifts for colleagues!

Easy way to shop = gift sets!

Swoon and spoil with luxury gifts!

Funukkah for Hanukkah! (8 gifts for 8 crazy nights!)

Stuff your stockings with these surprises!

Grooming gifts for guys (lady approved)

Enjoy!

The following photography series is titled Lipgloss from Elisabeth Hoff. I hope you find the prints as intriguing and visually stimulating as I do.

via 2dayBlog

So this Pretty was a total tomboy growing up and never took a dance class (yes, seriously). Although I can totally break it down after a few martinis, coordinated moves are so not my thing. So, I was a bit apprehensive to test out the “best workout in Hollywood,” The Bar Method. Well, the verdict is in and after Saturday’s class my mind has changed forever and I must say that this has become my new favorite ‘Bar’ in town!
The Bar Method is actually far from a dance class. In my opinion it seems to be a fusion between ballet and pilates coupled with targeted sculpting moves that are perfect to firm, tighten, and lift, all those Not So Pretty areas. The class began with a quick warm up and then moved on to use light weights to sculpt the arms. The entire class is all about repetitions and holding poses.
The fun really began when we moved over to the bar. We got right into moves that are designed to firm and tighten the butt and thighs. There were many variations of moves that involved tucking the pelvis under while standing on your toes.
It was intense, but manageable. Just when you think you can’t do anymore Marnie (our instructor, pictured below) switches things up. She introduced herself at the beginning of the class and actually remembered my name. I felt so special, she even gave me one on one support including compliments and correcting poses. Marnie also shouts out great lines of encouragement to the class when everyone is pushing through those strenuous moves. She has so much energy, I wish she was with me all the time to coach me through the day.
The workout finishes with various core exercises that’ll leave you sore and wanting more. There’s so many different moves that go on, it’s hard to explain them all. I HIGHLY recommend taking a class! Especially one with Marnie! Although, don’t feel left out if you don’t live near a Bar Method studio, because they also have DVDs you can pick up.

Visit barmethod.com for more info