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NARS Spring 2012 Makeup Collection -- Fruits of Inspiration

There's a reverential quality to the names of most of the pieces comprising the NARS Spring 2012 Collection — whether they be South American cities, titles of seminal albums, or a flower's common name. Take, for example, the Diamond Life Nail Polish ($18 at NARScosmetics.com), a metallic violet color with a sumptuous finish (pictured last above) named after Sade's debut album, 1984's Diamond Life, which introduced such sultry classics as "Your Love Is King" and "The Sweetest Taboo." In Nars' psyche, then, the fluidity of this shimmering violet perfectly captures the smooth, molasses-like quality of Sade's voice, the twinkling of piano keys, the jazzy saxophone riffs, and the spellbinding, moody, smoky vibe of the classic album.

Similarly, the Douce France Trio Eyeshadow ($45 at NARScosmetics.com), pictured after the jump, pays homage to the 1942 tune by French singer-songwriter Charles Trenet, a charming ode to his homeland rife with tender memories of childhood and celebrations of the glorious rivieras, blue skies, and countryside landscapes. A musical gift to the country he held dear, this sweet, tender song conveys an unblemished sense of innocence that Nars captured with his trio of pink shades, which range from a near-nude rose to a petal pink and a more full-bodied, merlot-tinged rose.

A hunger for life, an exuberant spirit, and a curious wanderlust all unite the spring color collection. The new Gaiety Blush ($28 at NARScosmetics.com), pictured after the jump, epitomizes effervescent cheer with its cotton candy pink color, while the hot pink Mexican Rose Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil ($24 at NARScosmetics.com), also shown after the jump, mimics the hue of the artichoke-shaped blossom by that very name.

Moving into the sojourn-inspired section of the collection, the Paramaribo Duo Eyeshadow ($34 at NARScosmetics.com), pictured second above, features a deep bronze with an even metallic sheen alongside a tarnished brass shade with greenish undertones inspired by Suriname's capital. Both are gorgeous takes on the colors of the muddy roads, grassy expanses, majestic palm trees, Dutch-style colonial houses, and the iconic Fort Zeelandia, with its tiled courtyard and bronze statues. The green tones speak to the virginal land in this South American country, while the metallic elements seem to speak to the monuments and architectural landmarks at the heart of the city.

The Valparaíso Pure Matte Lipstick ($25 at NARScosmetics.com) also nods to a South American location: this time, a thriving city in Chile. The matte lipstick's raspberry red color is reminiscent of the shade seen on the exterior of many of the cable cars used when ascending and descending steep hills. 

These, of course, are only some of the wonders in the Spring 2012 collection. To find out about the remaining products in the collection, check out swatches of the standout products, and even see photos of some sample looks created, keep reading!

Love Me Tender -- Valentine's Day Gifts Any Woman Will Desire

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be as senseless, befuddling, and tragically disappointing as the star-studded film by that name. If you're coupled up, take the initiative to make the day special — cook a romantic meal and wear those shoes that practically beckon him to carry you into the bedroom and ravish you; light scented candles and practice those masseuse skills while wearing your sultriest lingerie; or buy some champagne and set it next to a nice bubble bath. And, if you're exchanging gifts with your better half, feel free to subtly give him some hints about what you want (bookmark this page on his iPad if need be!).

As for all you single ladies on the prowl, February 14th is not a day for mourning, and you certainly don't need a man to feel loved so focus on pampering yourself: indulge in some truffles, snatch up that purse you've been coveting for months, go out with your friends and flirt your little heart out. 

Check out some of our Valentine's Day gift ideas — these are beyond alluring, so get ready for some sparks to fly! 

This is only the beginning of our V-Day coverage so stay tuned for more gift picks!

 

Edmundo Castillo Guia Heels in Scarlet, $995. Available at Match at the Breakers (One South County Road, Palm Beach, FL). Call 561.659.8402 for more details.

Betty Boop would wink her little heart out, work those shoulders, and utter her coquettish "Boop-boop-e-doop!" saying with unbridled glee if she thought she could cleverly manipulate a man to buy her these patent leather and snakeskin sandals. And can you blame her? The polka dot detail at the peep toe opening is enough to make any girl swoon, along with the slim stiletto heel. And those cutouts at the sides? A peep show at its best! 

 

 

Rachel Roy Cord Stone Friendship Bracelet, $36. Available at RachelRoy.com

Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers — it's also a day to celebrate your friends and loved ones, those who have been pals and confidantes (cue the "Golden Girls" theme song). Show them how much you appreciate them by gifting them with a Rachel Roy Cord Stone Friendship Bracelet like the one pictured here, which features an antiqued gold metal chain wrapped with bright pink thread and embellished with faceted, round, flat-top purple stones positioned atop square gold stations.

 

 

 

Vera Wang Lovestruck EDP Spray, $68 for 1.7 oz. and $78 for 3.4 oz. Available at Sephora.com

The bottle of Vera Wang's Lovestruck fragrance is enough to give a girl butterflies — from the hot pink lettering used to write the word "Lovestruck" and the arrow piercing through the word to the bouquet of plum tulips and the netted tulle and metallic ribbon nestled underneath the floral shapes. But that's just the visual charm of this romantic scent, Vera Wang's ode to being hopelessly, blissfully, rapturously in love. With succulent pink guava and a zesty touch of mandarin leading to a bouquet of bewitching tuberose and soft, dewy lotus blossoms, this scent is more crush-worthy to us than Jordan Catalano was to Angela Chase. 

 

Carelle Rose de France Iolite, Diamond and Rose Gold Pear Cluster Ring, $4050. Available at Carelle.com

Three pear-shaped, lilac-colored iolite stones, with their surface completely covered with diamond-shaped facets, are grouped together to create a near-triangular shape reminiscent of daylilies. A round, darker purple, prong-set faceted stone is positioned at the center, resembling the flower's stigma. Three small diamonds with a total weight of 0.12 cts complete the design, accentuating the triangular form of this design. 

 

 

 

 

 

Pull-In Libération Corb Dentelle Bra, $59.99, and Libération Tanga Dentelle, $54.99. Available at Store.Pull-In.com

Any woman will feel like the mistress of a Parisian boudoir with these intimates from French brand Pull-In. The Libération collection manages to maintain the perfect balance between seduction and sophistication thanks to the careful craftsmanship, the usage of elegant Calais lace, and the choice of midnight blue lace juxtaposed against an ox blood red satin trim.

 

 

 

 

Godiva Gems Milk and Dark Chocolate Message Truffles, $20 for 32 pc. bag. Available at Godiva.com

Members of the French royal court may have feasted on bon-bons in the 17th century, but contemporary Queen Bees look to Godiva to satisfy their chocolate cravings. For Valentine's Day, Godiva has packaged its truffles in pink and red foil with messages like "Be Mine," "Kiss Me," and "Hug Me" printed on these wrapping papers and pops of gold along the twistable ends. The truffles are color coded so that the milk chocolate pieces are inside pink wrappers and the dark chocolate ones in red wrappers. As for the truffles, each one is a tiny slice of heaven and, when you bite into the cream chocolate exterior, it's like going through the pearly gates as you taste the creamy interior, otherwise known as true paradise.

 

 

Katrina Kelly Vintage Vine Earrings, $11,748. For a full list of retailers, visit KatrinaKellyJewelry.com

These gorgeous earrings feature a sculpted, radiating, pattern along their teardrop-shaped, 18k yellow gold frame, with rounded edges meant to resemble the movement of undulating vines. At the center of each earring, you'll find a teardrop-shaped, faceted ruby stone, accentuated by gold bead detailing along its perimeter. A tiny slither of space is left vacant along the interior of the earrings' frame, so as to make the design a bit airier and more ethereal. Diamond-shaped earrings posts with concentric bead detailing, meanwhile, complete the dramatic effect. 

 

 

 

Topshop Flower Twist Front Blouse, $64. Available at Topshop.com

Don't want to wait for that special someone to bring you flowers? Then swathe yourself in gorgeous blooms with this sleeveless blouse from Topshop, which features a zippered back, a demure rounded neckline, a center seam along the front panel, and a mottle twist detail at the waistline creating a slightly draped effect. 

 

 

 

Narciso Rodriguez For Her Eau de Toilette Délicate, $102. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks.com

When creating the latest iteration of his spectacular For Her fragrance, designer Narciso Roriguez revisited his original source of inspiration: a woman's innate grace and beauty. For this limited-edition version of the scent, Rodriguez sought to explore the more mysterious, elusive elements of femininity, resulting in a wistful, feather light fragrance that, when applied to the skin, almost makes a woman feel like she's radiating sensuality. Like the original For Her, Délicate features a musky heart, but fig notes replace the osmanthus notes in its predecessor's formula, yielding a more ethereal and mysterious composition.

 

 

 

 

The Macbeth Collection Petite Vase, $35. Available at TheMacbethCollection.com

Before breaking out the bubbly on Valentine's Day, chill it in a bucket-like vase from The Macbeth Collection. The Petite Vase (pictured here) measures 8.5" in height and 5" in width and features two welded handles along the sides for easy toting. You can pick from over 50 designs (ranging from houndstooth and polka dot prints to floral prints, ikat designs, nautical motifs, and more) and even monogram your vase to make it feel all the more personal.

 

 

 

 

Gas Bijoux for Swarovski Crystallized Love Earrings, $90. Available at Swarovski-Crystallized.com 

Double your fun with these gold-plated earring by Gas Bijoux, which feature Swarovski Elements details. The 0.25mm-long earrings are composed of two heart shapes, each featuring etched grooves for added texture and dimension. The top heart shape is slightly smaller and features another heart detail at its center, with a smooth golden surface and a single Swarovski Elements crystal placed slightly off-center. The bottom heart shape, meanwhile, features a cluster of clear stones at its center to create a playful posey-like form, along with five crystals at the bottom tip of the heart shape, in an arrow-like shape. Etched floral motifs adorn the bottom border of the heart's surface for a Renaissance-inspired feel.

 

 

 

Shea Terra Organics Premium Dark Chocolate Sugar-Stone Exfoliating Cream, $22. Available at SheaTerraOrganics.com

If you dream of rolling around in chocolate, like a strawberry being dipped in hot fondue, you'll love the Shea Terra Organics Premium Dark Chocolate Sugar-Stone Exfoliating Cream, which smells like homemade brownie mix (when it's perfectly mixed and smells so delicious you can't help but lick the spoon) thanks to the organic chocolate liquor and vanilla extract used to scent the product. Since it's rich in antioxidants, the dark chocolate in the formula also fortifies your skin, helping to make skin appear more luminous and supple, while organic shea butter softens and conditions. Organic sugar particles and volcanic stone polish off dead skin layers to reveal younger-looking skin without feeling abrasive or harsh (thanks in large part to the shea butter, which melts onto the skin and creates a protective layer of sorts).

 

 

 

Tsumori Chisato Shooting Hearts Dress, $468. Available at LaGarconne.com

Tired of following Katy Perry's advice to be a firework? Then aim to be a shooting star instead with this perky frock by Tsumori Chisato. Made in Japan, the rayon and silk dress features short flutter sleeves, a gathered waistline with drawstrings at the sides, and a rounded neckline with a front keyhole opening. The relaxed fit and light ruching add an easiness and a bit of edge to the adorable heart and stars print.

 

Banana Republic Enameled Geo Bangle, $35. Available at BananaRepublic.com

Simple yet chic, this silver-plated bangle features slanted sides that create a Mod era-esque effect while the punchy honeysuckle pink enamel filling the bangle nods to the colors of the Swinging Sixties. 

 

 

Free Endearment Dana Rose Clutch, $375. Available at FreeEndearment.com

Embrace the spirit of Valentine's Day with this blush pink Dana clutch from Free Endearment, which features laser-cut heart details, along with a mosaic-like design of jasmine-like flowers and leaf-like shapes that read like a vine in an enchanted forest. This envelope-shaped clutch features an elongated tab that slips through an upward-facing bracket-like slot. A dainty chain link strap features a leather strip along its center to soften the metallic bits and make wear more comfortable.

 

 

 

LUSH Lots of Love Wrapped Gift, $49.95. Available at LUSHusa.com

What woman can't appreciate a hatbox filled to the brim with sensual bath and body treats? This particular box, however, is covered with a romantic design: a tree with red and pink hearts in lieu of leaves and lovebirds perching atop some of its branches. Though LUSH is offering customers a broad array of Valentine's Day-themed gift options, we're particularly smitten with this set, which includes the following items: Rose Queen Bath Bomb, Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, A French Kiss Bubble Bar, 1000 Kisses Deep Perfume, Ro's Argan Body Conditioner, and Lust Soap.

Shaped like a scoop of strawberry ice cream, the Rose Queen Bath Bomb is ideal for a long and relaxing soak since, not only does it contain fragrant rose absolute, but it's packed with rose petals that unravel as the sphere dissolves in the water. The Sex Bomb Bath Bomb, meanwhile, will bring out any gal's friskier side with a blend of jasmine oil, a known aphrodisiac, and ylang-ylang oil, clary sage, oil and softening soy milk. After a soak, you can pat yourself dry and feed your skin with some of the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner, which features argan oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, cupuacu butter, Brazil nut oil, geranium oil, and rose absolute to hydrate skin, seal moisture within the epidermis, stimulate collagen and elastin production, strengthen the skin's natural barrier, and smooth and soften skin.

These three products alone will make any woman feel pampered, but of course: more treats are included. If you want to share an intimate moment with your beloved, reach for the lavender-scented A French Kiss Bubble Bar, which is shaped like a lemon meringue (or a Hershey's kiss, if you will) and dissolves in the water to yield a frothy, sudsy bath that's big enough for two!

 

Get Those Claws In Maneater Shape With The Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips Valentine's Day Collection

 

Talk about the five heartbeats! Right in time for Valentine's Day, Sally Hansen has introduced a flirtatious, playful, romance-themed collection of its Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. If you're not familiar with these manicure-in-a-box wonders, each Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips package includes a wooden cuticle, stick, a nail file/buffer, an instruction manual, and 16 adhesive strips of varying sizes so that you can select the one closest to your nail with and length. After carefully peeling each strip off of its backing and gently placing it atop the nail, you'll want to press the sticker-like strip onto the nail and smooth the light pink buffer atop it, applying just a bit of pressure. Any excess length can be gently folder over the top of the nail and filed off using the light pink buffer. After repeating the process for all 10 of your digits, you'll have a funky mani that require no drying time and that can last you 7-10 days. 

The Valentine's Day collection includes five adorable new patterns, all available for a limited time only. There's "Love Always," pictured above at top, which features a white backdrop resembling a blank piece of paper with the word "love" spelled in a multitude of languages and font styles: "Amore" in a basic Helvetica-ish font, "Amour" in cursive lettering, "Love" in retro bulbous letters outlined in red, "I <3 U" with a big red heart in between the two letters, and so on. Two additional designs burst with affection: "Cross My Heart," pictured third from top, which features a pale orchid pink backdrop and "Xs" and heart symbols in a purplish magenta color, arranged to resemble the traditional "XOXOXO" pattern that has become symbolic of the phrase "hugs and kisses" in our shorthand-loving, abbreviation-prone culture; and "Speed Dating," shown fourth from top, which features metallic red hearts in different sizes dancing around a metallic white backdrop.

If you're looking for something a bit less cutesy, check out the "How Romantic!" design, pictured second from top, a Mondrian-esque design with a bit of a Mod attitude thanks to its cube-centric pattern, featuring bold pops of purple, red, and a deep honeysuckle pink. This is one of the most versatile designs in the collection since, aside from the incorporation of pink and red hues, there's nothing about it that intuitively signifies Valentine's Day. Another nice option: "Are You Single?", shown last above, which features a burgundy backdrop with a foil-like finish and, atop it, metallic ruby-colored leafy vines that swirl graciously, and scattered pearly white swirls with heart shapes dangling from their pointy tips.

Each of the Valentine's Day-themed Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips is priced at $9.99 and is available at mass food and drug retailers, including Ulta.com

Check out how these lovable designs look when applied to nails after the jump!

Amika "I Love New York" Ceramic Styler -- Gorgeous Hair In Black And White

Zebras, basketball referee uniforms, nautical buoys, classic Adidas Superstar sneakers, Op Art pieces, harlequin clown uniforms, Beetlejuice's threads, barcodes, piano keys, Mod fashions... The list of objects, creatures, and icons bearing distinctive black-and-white stripes seems endless. For beauty junkies like myself, this age-old pattern instantly signifies Sephora, the largest cosmetics retailer in the nation, with over 20 store locations in New York City alone. After all, it's easy to spot a Sephora store thanks to the horizontal black-and-white stripes on the walls constituting its façade and covering the columns in its interior space.

Fittingly, then, hair styling tool company Amika chose this very same pattern when designing its limited-edition "I Love New York" Styler, available for $135 exclusively at Sephora stores and on Sephora.com. In addition to the horizontal black-and-white stripes covering its top surface, this professional styling tool features the phrase "I <3 New York" in clear and red crystals close to the hinged edge, atop one of the black stripes to give the crystals a bit more pop and make them worthy of a Broadway marquis. 

Like all of Amika's top-notch ceramic stylers, the Amika  "I Love New York" Styler features 100% ceramic plates that emit far-infrared heat, allowing you to create your ideal hairstyle while also protecting the hair cuticle from damage by sealing moisture in the hair shaft (thereby making this a much safer alternative than traditional flat irons and curling irons that wreak havoc on your tresses). The 1.25" floating plate design, meanwhile, offers you the opportunity to create a broader range of looks — from pin-straight 'dos to soft waves and loose curls. 

And, since time waits for no woman, the ceramic styler heats up to the desired temperature within 10 seconds, so that you can be out the door in record time. What's more New York than that type of efficiency?

 

All About Evie Evan -- Skin Care That Adapts To Your Skin's Needs ?

As much as I adore prestigious skincare brands like Shiseido, Clinique, Caudalie, L'Occitane, Kate Somerville, Perricone MD, Korres, Arcona, Origins, Kiehl's, and SK-II, I'm always eager to discover new up-and-coming lines filled with promise and potential. Every so often, while sampling products from these newly introduced lines, you'll find something worth adding to your skin care regimen on a long-term basis, a purifying, line-reducing, brightening, hydrating, balancing, or firming formulation that has flown under reviewers' radars despite its obvious merits. Of course, there's also the chance that, while trying out one of these relatively unknown products, you'll look like Nicolas Cage during the face transplant scene in Face/Off, your tender skin practically seared, but one hopes the outcome won't involve any such tragedy. Truth be told, being a beauty writer often means acting as a guinea pig, shouldering a certain amount of risk in order to share your first-hand experiences with readers.

And so, it was with a mix of excitement and fear that I ventured to try the three key products in the Evie Evan skincare line. Last fall, the Texas-based company expanded beyond its local roots, with its offerings landing in select retailers across the country and its e-commerce website officially launching. Rooted in a philosophy that merges scientific research with a nature-based approach to tending to skin, the brand seeks to create cruelty-free products that can adopt to the specific needs of all customers — regardless of age, skin care type, sex, or ethnicity. Such a goal is both ambitious and admirable, but could it truly be achieved? Could a skin care cleanser, for example, be all things to all people? Evie Evan thinks that, with the right natural ingredients — among them panthenol, orange peel oil, jasmine, bergamot oil, and clary sage — such a goal lies within reach. She therefore describes the products in her eponymous line as "skin smart," by which she means that they can identify the needs of your skin and tailor their activity accordingly. 

Her recommended regimen, then, involves three steps. First, there's the Evie Evan The Cleanser ($32 at EvieEvan.com), a gel-like face wash with a pool blue color and a lightweight consistency. The paraben-, lanolin-, petroleum-, and mineral oil-free cleanser includes such ingredients as: lime oil, a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial often used in cleansing formulations; lemon peel oil, which softens and smooths, helps to combat acne, stimulates skin renewal, acts as a skin brightener, reducing the appearance of dark spots, and removes impurities; panthenol, a form of vitamin B that softens the skin, functions as a natural humectant, and soothes irritations; orange peel oil, which also boasts anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, decongesting clogged pores to help combat acne, and which can help to stimulate collagen production, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; jasmine oil, which soothes redness and irritation, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin; bergamot oil, which attacks acne-causing bacteria; rose oil, which acts as a natural toner, antiseptic agent, and natural humectant; cedarwood oil, which is particularly useful for acne-prone skin due to its astringent abilities; and clary sage oil, which can balance sebum production, so that your skin produces just the right amount of natural oils.

It does, however, contain cassia leaf oil, which has antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties but can also function as a sensitizer, causing topical irritations. Most skincare experts would advise against applying pure cassia leaf oil directly on the skin, but there's some debate as to whether it can be used when diluted with gentler botanical oils and spices like those of geranium, jasmine, rosemary or frankincense. 

So what was my experience with the cleanser? My initial response was pretty positive. I liked that the cleanser wasn't too creamy or milky, that its consistency was light and gel-like and yet it managed to lather nicely when water was added. Once I rinsed off the cleanser, however, my skin felt a bit too dry and stiff; when making facial movements, I felt uncomfortable, as if my skin would crack if I smiled too hard. Once I moisturized, any discomfort subsided but, nevertheless, I felt like perhaps since the number of botanical oils with astringent properties greatly surpassed the amount of hydrating, collagen-boosting, humectant ingredients, this cleanse would best be suited for women with oily, acne-prone skin, as opposed to those with dry or sensitive skin (like me). 

I assumed any post-cleansing discomfort and irritation would eventually dissipate as my skin adjusted to the cleanser but, having used the product regularly during a three-week period, I can honestly say the unpleasant sensation never ended. Even worse, I started breaking out as a result of using this product. Apparently, the cleanser dried out my skin so much that it accomplished the opposite of what it was supposed to do, stimulating the production of more natural oils than were necessary to keep skin balanced, clear, and smooth.

Add to that the fact that the cleanser includes cassia leaf oil, a controversial ingredients, and I'd suggest keeping away from this product altogether.

The Evie Evan Moisture Creme ($41 at EvieEvan.com) proved way kinder to my skin, perhaps due to its incorporation of aloe leaf juice and jasmine extract and jasmine oil, which calm and soothe the complexion. Ingredients like retinyl palmitate, meanwhile, work as anti-aging agents, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by increasing collagen production. Wheat germ glycerides, meanwhile, lubricate the skin's surface and provide antioxidant protection due to their vitamin E content. 

I enjoyed the moisturizer's light consistency, akin to a watered-down cup of vanilla yogurt and appreciated what its effectiveness in terms of hydrating, softening, and smoothing skin. That being said, if you have very specific skincare concerns — like uneven skin tone or mature skin — I wouldn't suggest using this cream without supplementing it with another product more targeted to address those specific issues. Also, because so many of the ingredients in the cleanser can leave the skin more vulnerable to UV damage, it's essential to use a sunscreen after applying this moisturizer.

Overall, I wasn't blown away by this moisturizer, but I also wasn't displeased with it in any way. I just felt that, in trying to be suitable for all skin types, it fell short of accomplishing any goal particularly well. It goes back to the the age-old dilemma: do you take on a lot and do a mediocre job or do you take a more selective approach, focusing on fewer objectives and making sure to excel in each realm? Truth be told, it's usually better to adopt the latter approach.

Lastly, there's the Evie Evan Purity Masque ($36 at EvieEvan.com), a clay-like mask that helps to fight acne-causing bacteria, control oil production, reduce pore size, and purify skin. The mask, then, contains: orange peel oil, witch is used to fight acne by unclogging pores; witch hazel, a well-known astringent; safflower oil, which acts as a lubricant by forming a protective barrier on the epidermis that prevents excess loss of moisture; chamomile, which soothes and calms the skin; and vitamins A, C, D, and E. 

Out of all the products in the Evie Evan line, the Purity Masque was the only one that really scored on every single level in my book. 

After using the mask, my skin looked more radiant, and it felt softer and smoother. Most importantly, any

acne breakouts cleared quicker than usual after using this mask: pimple size decreased, redness was reduced, and pores appeared smaller.

If there's one product you should try, make it the Evie Evan Purity Masque.

 

 

Hot Pink Lacquer And Perky Polka Dots Are The Recipe For An Adorable Valentine's Day Mani

 

  

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and, if you're already feeling the sting of Cupid's arrow, then channel your amorous sentiments via a perky manicure like the one I created above. This super simple nail design speaks to the polka dot trend that's been de rigueur throughout the Fall/Winter 2011 season while updating the spotted look for Spring 2012 via bright pops of color. 

To create the look, you'll need three nail lacquer shades — a hot pink hue (like the M2M Hot Girls polish I used), a clean and snowy white (like the nacrous Orly Au Champagne polish I used), and a baby pink hue (like Laura Mercier's Ooh La La). You'll also need a dotting tool to create small polka dots that are surprisingly symmetrical, as opposed to drippy, amorphous, glob-like spots. If you don't own a professional dotting tool, don't distress — a simple bobby pin will do the trick. Simply bend the bobby pin to create a straight line, then use one of the rounde ends (preferably the more linear side so as to better control your handiwork) to create the dotted imprints on your nails. 

To start your perky in pink nail design, begin by brushing the fuchsia pink shade onto your nails. Once dry, reach for your white and baby pink nail lacquers, as well as your dotting tool. Start with the white polish and, dipping the dotting tool into the nail polish bottle, press the color down onto the nail, carefully creating a vertical row of polka dots along the center of each nail. Once this task is complete, wipe down your dotting tool and repeat the process with the baby pink color, this time creating two vertical rows of polka dots, one on either side of the white row at the nail's center.

Once you've completed your polka dot rows, wait a few minutes for the polish to dry and then brush a clear top coat onto your nails. This will protect your manicure, prevent colors from chipping too rapidly, and add a nice glossy finish.

That's it! To watch the process unfold, check out the tutorial above!

Here are more finished pics of the look:

 

 

 

Tune In Right Here For A Live Video Chat With Kiehl's President Chris Salgardo And Consulting Dermatologist Dr. Adam Geyer

Watch live streaming video from kiehls at livestream.com

 

To celebrate the release of its newest skincare release, the Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, a serum with a Vitamin C derivative that fights hyperpigmentation by breaking up melanin clusters, thereby diminishing their visibility while also protecting the skin from producing the excess melanin that leads to age spots, Kiehl's is hosting a live chat with Kiehl's President Chris Salgardo and consulting dermatologist Dr. Adam Geyer. 

Taking place at 3 p.m. EST, the chat will focus on both the technology behind this new product, the causes of uneven skin tone, the best anti-aging regimens, and much more.

Make sure to tune in now — just click on the play button above and watch the chat as it happens!

 

 

Cop A Pair of White + Warren Fingerless Gloves And Receive A Complimentary Sally Hansen Manicure Set

 

 

 

I have an affinity for fingerless gloves — whether they're leather ones with zippers, studs, and buckles; wool pieces with ribbed wrist bands and frayed edges at the fingertips; warm and fuzzy thanks to their angora fabrication; or simple, understated, and refined cashmere gloves. My penchant for fingerless gloves could be the result of my urban surroundings and the fact that, like most self-starters living in the digital age, I'm always tapping on the keypad of my mobile phone so I can promptly respond to e-mails, check the news, and connect with readers and fans via Twitter (follow me at @sickathanavg). And, while some companies have released touchscreen gloves, these are generally lacking in terms of their style quotient. For now, then, I'll stick with my fingerless gloves, which have the added benefit of infusing a youthful, punk-like edge to any ensemble

If you share my sentiment in regards to fingerless gloves, then you'll appreciate the new collaboration between luxury cashmere brand White + Warren and beauty giant Sally Hansen. For a limited time, when you purchase a pair of White + Warren Fingerless Gloves online (down to $40 from $95 at WhiteandWarren.com), you'll get a complimentary Sally Hansen Manicure Set so that you can keep cuticles smooth, hands soft and silky, nails perfectly shaped, and coated in a classic color.

The Sally Hansen Manicure Kit (pictured above) includes the following products: a Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Coarse Nail Board (which retails for $2.67 at Drugstore.com); a bottle of Nailgrowth Miracle Serum ($9.15 at Drugstore.com and other food and drug retailers), a strengthening peptide serum treatment designed for daily use and fortified with biotin, a B-complex vitamin that fortifies thin and brittle nails, as well as lemon peel oil, a common ingredient for conditioning cuticles and nails; a bottle of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure polish in Right Said Red ($7 at mass food and drug retailers, including Drugstore.com), a classic Minnie Mouse-worthy red lacquer that's amazingly shiny, long-wearing, and chip resistant; and a tube of Sally Hansen Dry Chapped Hand Creme ($5.50 at Drugstore.com), a new lotion that moisturizes hands and provides some relief for those with chapped or cracked skin, brittle nails and rough cuticles thanks to the incorporation of softening, conditioning shea butter; safflower seed oil, which helps the skin retain moisture; and soybean oil, which boasts wound healing properties and also gives the skin a nice smooth sensation.

When you purchase a pair of 100% cashmere fingerless gloves from White + Warren (available in Black, Navy, Midnight Teal, Citron, Lilac, Grey Frost, and Fossil Heather), then, you'll also be receiving nearly $30 worth of hand care products. And considering that the gloves are over 50% off right now, you'll actually be getting a combined value of $120 for your $40 purchase.

With this deal, your hands are, well, in the right hands.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer With Collagen & Brush -- Say Adios To Dark Circles

 

Here's what first piqued my interest about the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer With Collagen: it was developed alongside a group of esteemed, Brazil-based plastic surgeons. Now, this is the land that birthed Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, perhaps the most famous plastic surgeon in the world (as in Dr. 90210 is a chump compared to this guy) and, without a doubt, someone who has attained legendary status in his homeland, with his name more vastly recognizable than those of such demigods as designer Carlos Miele, model Adriana Lima, actress Sonia Braga, director Walter Salles, and musician Sergio Mendes. And he's not the only whiz with a scalpel — in fact, for over five years now, Brazil has been dubbed the "leader in nip-and-tuck tourism," with American women traveling to South America in drones to get "freshened up." Now, whether or not you advocate for plastic surgery or stand in amoral opposition to such surgical procedures isn't the question. My only point is this: the best plastic surgeons are trained to understand all of the factors that contribute to the skin aging process – from collagen degradation to depleting ceramide quantities — and thereby also know the type of natural and cosmeceutical ingredients that can smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, considering that their post-op patients often have massive amounts of swelling and bruising, they're prime candidates to test out the amount of coverage offered by makeup products like concealers — a challenge they, in fact, took on to ensure this product would appease customers.

The It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer with Collagen, then, not only includes rich pigments that help to camouflage the dark circles rimming tired eyes, but it's packed with vitamin A, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles thanks to its role in stimulating the production of procollagen and glycosaminoglycan; vitamin C, which helps to brighten the complexion, even out skin tone, boost collagen production, reverse minor sun damage, and heal wounds (thereby stimulating skin repair functions); vitamin E, which both softens skin and neutralizes free radicals that lead to cellular damage (UV rays among them); vitamin K, which helps alleviate skin discolorations such as redness and dark circles. Lastly, the hydrolyzed collagen in the formula helps to reduce those pesky bags underneath eyes and to create a smoother surface so that, not only will eyes look brighter and more refreshed, but the product itself will go on more smoothly rather than creeping into any fine lines.

The concealer is available in four shades: Light, Neutral Medium, Tan, and Deep. Plus, when you purchase, the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer With Collagen & Brush ($29 at QVC.com), you also receive a dual-ended brush — one side a smaller, flatter brush perfect for dabbing the concealer onto the under eye region and the other side a larger, fluffier brush that will help you blend and diffuse the color). Best of all, the brush can also be used both to apply eyeshadow onto the lids and creases of eyes, making it a great multi-purpose tool.

Each concealer comes in a 0.28 fl.oz. squeezable tube. While lightweight, the concealer is rather dense and richly pigmented, which means a drop the size of a rice kernel might just be enough to cover the area under an entire eye. Since a little goes such a long way, you'll want to use the product sparingly. I'd advise squeezing some onto the back of your hand then, using your middle finger, patting the concealer gently underneath the eyes and into the inner corners of eyes (by the bridge of the nose), as well as onto the sides of nostrils and any other shadowy spots. I even like applying a tad to the widow's peak on my upper lip before applying lipstick so as to create a more defined pout.

I've been using the It Cosmetics concealer for a few weeks now, and I'm quite happy with how it not only offers natural yet full coverage, but how it minimizes the appearance of pores and yields a smooth texture. If you don't get very much sleep or simply struggle with dark circles and puffiness, give this concealer a whirl. Hopefully, you'll be saying bye to those eye-related gripes in no time!

 

Water Marbling 101 -- Mastering This DIY Nail Art Technique

 

If you're always looking for fun ways to create custom nail art, you may have heard the term "water marbling," one of the most buzzed-about techniques among lacquer hoarders, DIY manicurists, and beauty junkies alike. But what exactly is water marbling? Well, it's a technique that involves making intricate patterns on the top surface of a container filled with water (using nothing but nail lacquers to create these designs) and then superimposing these creations onto nails. 

Many a YouTube video exists demonstrating a variety of water marble designs — from floral motifs to clover patterns, flame designs, swirly shapes, and more — but most can seem rather overwhelming for novices who need to first practice the technique before masterminding more complex designs. This post, then, caters to those of you who are curious about the technique and want a very basic explanation of how it works so that you can practice inside the comfort of your home. 

So let's start the Water Marble Nail Art 101 lesson!

 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

 

• Two coats of white nail polish to use as the base color (you can technically use any color, but for this tutorial, we used white)
• Toothpicks
• A plastic cup or bowl filled with filtered or bottled water at room temperature
• Scotch tape
• An assortment of bright nail polishes that are new enough to not have hardened or thickened
• A clear top coat polish
• Q-tips and nail polish remover
• Paper towels (for mess control)

 

STEPS TO FOLLOW:

• First, apply a base coat to nails
• Next, apply two coats of your favorite white polish. For this design, I chose Orly's Au Champagne nail polish.
• Once your nails are dry, prepare your workspace. I'd suggest covering a flat table or desk surface with paper towels (in case any water or polish spills), fill a plastic cup with filtered water, prop a roll of Scotch tape and a handful of toothpicks on the surface, and get out all the nail polish color you wish to use.
• In order to move quickly once the process starts, unscrew the tops of the nail polish bottles and keep them open throughout the process. For my first attempt, I used Zoya America (a fiery red), Zoya Pippa (a canary yellow), Zoya Tallulah (an electric blue), Zoya Vanessa (a deep aubergine), and Zoya Reece (a metallic bubblegum pink). 
• Prep your nails by tearing off a piece of clear tape and pressing it directly underneath your fingernail. Then apply two more strips of tape to the sides of the nails, curving the top of the tape to cover the area behind the tip of your fingernails. Repeat the process until all your nails are properly taped. Note: it's not necessary to tape your nails in order to complete the process — it's simply a precautionary measure that protects the skin on your fingers from becoming stained by the nail polish you'll be using. If, however, some polish does happen to wind up on your fingers, simply use a cotton ball or swap and nail polish remover to clean up. 
• To start, choose one of the nail polish colors and, positioning a brush loaded with color above the center of the water cup, allow a drop of lacquer to fall onto the surface. Once it does, it will disperse rather rapidly. Next, choose a different polish color and repeat the process, letting a drop fall in the middle of the circle previously created and watching as it disperses. Continue this process until you've created a number of concentric circles on the water's surface.
• Next, grab a toothpick and gently twirl and swirl the colors around to create the desired pattern. For beginners like myself, I'd recommend a simple swirly, tie-dye style pattern.
• Next, take one of your pre-taped fingers and dip it into the water so that the nail is facing down and positioned above the exact part of the design that you'd like to see duplicated on your nail.
• Allow the finger to linger in the water for several seconds and then, using another toothpick, scrape off any excess color (atop the water's surface, the polishes develop this film-like consistency so that, if you simply move the toothpick around in the water, the film will adhere to its sides.
• Next, remove your finger from the water. Wait a few seconds, then apply a clear top coat (such as the  Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat). Remove the tape from your fingernail and clean up the edges using a Q-tip and some nail polish remover.
• Repeat the marbling process for each nail until you've got a finished manicure (as you become more comfortable, you can try doing two nails at a time, but start with one).

 

THE RESULTS:

Here's how my nail design looked when complete:

 

For a visual breakdown of the water marbling process, make sure to check our tutorial video (embedded above, at top) here or on our YouTube channel.