While I wasn't a huge fan of Katy Perry opening the American Music Awards as if she was in Japan last night, I was a fan of her polka dot manicure. Did you catch that? Her manicurist, Kimmie Kyees, created the look to compliment her black tulle and white sequin polka dot Oscar de la Renta gown. Here's how to recreate perfect polka dots.
Kimmie painted press on nails prior to meeting with Katy. After all, they don't have much time to get ready for red carpet events and this takes precision and some serious dry time. Here, she tweeted that she used two coats of Sally Hansen Triple Shine Nail Color in Slick Black as a base color and Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear in White On to create the dots. First, make sure your base coat if full dry, then, dip a tooth pick into the white polish and add little dots on top. Allow them to fully dry before applying a shiny base coat.
The Real Secret Behind the Stars' Flawless Complexions During Awards Season
My inbox is currently full of awards season pitches and as I was weeding through all of the Golden Globes "Get the Look" emails, I came across a scoop that I simply couldn't ignore. A publicist from OleHenriksen in LA tipped me off on spa treatments certain celebs were booked for throughout the season. Golden! Just last week Mark Wahlberg, Daniel Craig and Katy Perry had appointments and A-listers Charlize Theron, Emma Roberts, Halle Berry, Hilary Swank, Jessica Alba, Kate Beckinsale and Renee Zellweger are all due in for face and body treatments. Here's the scoop on what they're after and how you can mimic the treatments at home:
POWER PEEL - MICRODERMABRASION TREATMENT
For those seeking a pro-active approach to anti-aging, this customizable 8 step complexion treatment incorporates microdermabrasion to gradually reduce fine facial scars, skin discoloration, and fine lines/wrinkles. Recommended in a series of 6 – 10, your master esthetician will design a regime with the appropriate intervals between services.
ADVANCED HYDRA-DERMABRASION TREATMENT
Enjoy one of OLEHENRIKSEN’S signature facials incorporating the HydraFacial™ System*. The HydraFacial™ System offers nonirritating resurfacing with immediate results. We start with an in depth skin analysis allowing your master esthetician to completely customize your treatment. This technology utilizes a diamond tip (crystal free - microdermabrasion) for those areas requiring a deep exfoliation and pore refinement. As we exfoliate the skin, we infuse high efficacy, antioxidant serums that penetrate deeply into the skin. Suitable for most skin types, this treatment is ideal for those requiring deep cleansing, hydration, exfoliation, and antiaging benefits.
PURIFYING COMPLEXION TREATMENT
Perfect for anyone experiencing clogged and enlarged pores, imbalances, and eruptions, this treatment is based on Ole Henriksen’s own personal experience resolving his cystic acne. This purifying treatment utilizes anti-bacterial extracts to treat even the most blemish prone skin. Eucalyptus oil, natural brush exfoliation, organic lemon strip peel, and custom blended masks are some of the steps utilized to calm and repair skin.
AT HOME TRY:
OleHenricksen Power Peel, a three step facial treatment that gives you a brighter, more even skin tone by reducing wrinkles, smoothing your skin's texture and reversing hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Available at Sephora, 6 treatments for $45.
The Best $100 Ever Spent, Plus WIN Katy Perry Tickets!
After a spontaneously fun and relaxing weekend with Schick in Miami, they dared me to pamper myself for a full day (I know what you’re thinking, what kind of dare is that, but wait for it…) unplugged! No tweeting my manicure polish shade, catching up with my bestie on the phone during my pedi or obsessively checking my iPhone for that big email I’ve been waiting for.
I felt like I was paralyzed. My day of pampering was more like two and a half hours and included a mani and pedi plus and extra ten minute foot massage and twenty minute back massage while my nails dried, of course (who has patience to sit under the drier).
It made me realize that I never take the time out to relax and enjoy these treatments that I get weekly. Instead they always feel more like a chore. Keeping my phone in my bag and laptop in my apartment, I flipped through weeklies and zoned out. It was awesome!
I dare you to take the challenge! Plus, I'M GIVING AWAY KATY PERRY TICKETS!Put your phone away during your next mani and pedi. Pamper yourself and get those extra ten minute massages. Make your weekly manicures pampering instead of chores. Give those texting fingers a break and really enjoy it!
Participate in the giveaway by commenting below telling me about your best "unplugged" experience. The tickets are for Katy's LA concert on 8/6 at the Nokia Theater.
A winner will be chosen at random and announced in the comments section under this post. Good Luck.
Spontaneity Leads to the Unexpected, Bring It On!
It's amazing what you'll discover about yourself when you step out of your comfort zone. Me – a super detailed, anally organized, to-the-minute type of girl who structures her freelance lifestyle to the T so she doesn't end up tumbling like a rolling stone. The new me – still a super detailed, anally organized, structured girl who isn't afraid to be spontaneous.
This past weekend I went on a press trip to Miami with Schick and the theme of the weekend was "Dare to be Spontaneous." My "detailed" itinerary for the three day trip left out all activities and times of obligation and only included our flights, hotel and car service information. I took on the challenge of this go-with-the-flow lifestyle, and packed a few rompers and bikinis.My favorite beauty girls and I didn't know what we were in for and all felt a little uneasy not knowing when we could fit in nap or gym time. The next thing I knew, I drove a jet ski (never in my life did I ever trust my self to DRIVE anything before, let alone in the ocean), had a massage, a few cocktails and are you ready for this... not only did we sit in a VIP box at a Katy Perry concert, but we had a meet and greet with her too! The craziest part, Russell Brand decided to interrupt it!
I had to ask Katy Perry about her guiltiest pleasure and her answer – cats! "I used to think cats were c*nts, but after learning about them I like how you have to gain their respect. I love having my cat lick my face."
A New Wave in Hair Accessories: Crystal, Tinsel and Feathers
The words "hair accessory" are taking on a whole new meaning. Inspired by some of our favorite rockstars creative hair 'do's , Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, we can now experiment with our locks in brand new ways. Great Lengths recently introduced Swarovski Crystal Extensions and feather and tinsel hair extensions are also all the rage.
"Women are seeing celebrities experiment with their hair and think it's beautiful and attainable," commented Jan Marie Marteca of the Ted Gibson Salon. "They're going to start to embrace everything from pastel pink highlighted extensions to pops of tinsel."
The Swarovski crystal extensions last as long as regular Great Length extensions (about three to four months) and are bonded to your hair. I first saw the feather hair extension while at the Sundance Film festival and think it looks best when the feather is the same tone as your hair. For instance, if you have brown hair, go with a brown feather so it blends nicely and acts as an accent and doesn't look cheesy.
Beyonce sported gold tinsel at the Grammys this year and Jan spotted tinsel extensions at this year's Hair Show. They're finely knotted around a few strands of your hair and last a few weeks. The accent may look cute for a special occasion (Grammys anyone?).
Oscars 2011, Russell Brand
I love seeing men in tuxedos, but especially loved how Russell Brand wore black with navy at this years Oscars. His tux wasn't all my favorite (at all!), but the color pairing was on par.
The English comedian was there to present the award for Best Foreign Language Film. Of course you're probably expecting he brought his wifey Katie Perry, but since she's on tour, he brought his mom! So sweet!
What do you think? Do you mix black with navy?
Rumor has it Russell told E!'s Ryan Seacrest how handsome he looked and leaned over and planted a kiss on his cheek! Ryan actually kissed him back! Hmmm, when Katy's away Russell will play? Probably not, but Ryan on the other hand... that one leaves me wondering.
5 Simple Tricks to Turn Up Tired Eyes
We all experience nights whether restless or reckless that quickly turns into mornings where we wake up looking just a little less than alert. But as the story goes, when that alarm buzzes, it’s time to get up and hide our tired eyes. I got the scoop from Physicians Formula Celebrity Makeup Artist, Joanna Schlip, on how to look alert with a few makeup tricks.
1. Line the top of your eye three quarters of the way starting where the color of your eye begins and take it out to the spot where the crease in your eye ends. Creating a thick line on the top gives the illusion of fuller lashes, which opens the eye. Try Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum, $10.95.
2. Trace a soft, thin line underneath your lashes on the bottom of your eye. Make sure you avoid the inner rim. It will only make them appear smaller.
3. Smudge a highlighter or a shimmery eye shadow underneath your brow bone and place a tad in the inner corners of your eyes for an instant pick-me-up.
4. Fill in your brows from the arch to the outside of your eye to add lift. I like the Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil, $19.
5. Apply false lashes to the outer most corners of your peepers, curl them and add mascara.
And woo-la! Grab a grande non-fat latte with an extra shot of espresso and no one will ever know about your rough night.
What are your early morning pick-me-ups?
Seen & Heard: Beauty Secrets from Your Fave A-Listers
We all look to celebs to see what they're using and how they get their flawless skin, fabulous locks and overall glow. Well, we compiled some of their latest tips and tricks to bring you the scoop. Check it out:
Julia Roberts:
“I love eyeliner. I always think if I put enough on, I’ll turn into Sophia Loren.” I heard her favorite is Lancome Le Crayon Khol eyeliner in Black Ebony, which makes Julia’s stunning eyes pop.
Kim Kardashian:
Her secret is out, “I always style my hair first then pin it back while I do my makeup. Before I apply my foundation I sprinkle Bare Escentuals shimmer powder on my face to get a pretty glow.”
Beyonce:
“I always keep a pair of Ray-Bans handy! And sometimes I put a little gold eye shadow in the inner corners of my eyes—it’s more subtle than white, but it still really makes you look more awake.”
Fergie: Fergie swears by Moroccan oil to keep her strands healthy, "I brush it through my hair and let it soak all night."
Katy Perry: “I pop individual lashes on with tweezers.” Try her favorite - Tweezerman tweezers to apply false eyelashes.
Jessica Biel:
"For Christmas when I was 12, my mom gave me a Lancome cleanser, toner, and moisturizer and said, 'Make a little effort now and it will make a big difference in the long run.'" Jessica swears by consistency for your skin care is the key to keeping your complexion clear.
Get Katy Perry’s 2010 American Music Awards Waves
Last night at the AMA’s it seems all eyes were on Taylor Swift’s sleek new ‘do, however I couldn’t help but envy Katy Perry’s red carpet locks. She went from posing pretty in a textured Badgley Mischka dress to performing like her pop star self in a risqué red body suit and her hair worked with both personalities.
“Classic Hollywood with a contemporary twist,” is how her stylist Danilo describes her look. He also gave me the scoop on how to get it. Check it out:
Start by spritzing towel-dried hair in sections with a light-weight root lifter like Pantene Pro-V Fine Hair Root Lifter Spray Gel. Then, blow dry your strands in sections lifting straight up from the root and letting it fall using a large barrel brush.
Once dry, use a medium sized curling iron to create spiral curls all around your head and pin them up until they cool. To achieve the wavy look as opposed to a spiral pattern, brush the curls out until the waves reveal themselves towards the bottom. Whatever you do, don’t tousle. Finish the look with a touchable hairspray like L’Oreal Elenett.
Whether you want to embrace your inner rock star or just try something new with a curling iron, as Mrs. Brand proved this look works on anyone.
Latest Obsession: Learning How To Apply Fake Lashes
I've been obsessed with fake lashes lately and have been tweeting for Jeannine asking what kinds you use, which brings me to this article. You already know your batters are more than just a fashion statement, buy they're also your number one tool for flirting. I had the chance to speak with NYC Brow Guru RAMY and get his top secrets on how to get apply sexy lashes in just a few simple steps:
1. Apply eye liner and mascara before applying individual lashes
2. Use a slant tweezers, such as Tweezerman Slant Tweezers, $25 this offers a wider grip than pointy tweezers. (Katy Perry's a fan)
3. Add two or three individual lashes to your outer eye which will make your eyes appear larger, and more almond shaped, try Ardell eyelashes, $20 that come in a variety of individual lashes available at drugstores
4. Pick up each lash by gripping it by the end of the lash then dip the root of the lash into the glue
5. Apply lash to desired area of lash line, make sure to get the root as close to the base of your lashes
6. Keep eye closed and allow for the glue to dry. Don't rush!
Now you are ready to demand the attention of a room all in the blink of a “fake” eyelash! Don’t worry your falsely eyelashes are our little secret!
Victoria's Secret Fashion Show Finale Video
I couldn't help myself. We weren't supposed to take photos or film, but the event was so grand, so incredible, I had to share it – especially with you. I started recording towards the end of Katy Perry's super remixed performance that began with Teenage Dream as models were walking out in VS Pink clothing and caught this:
All I have to say is O.M.G! Wait until it airs on Nov. 30th so you can get the full effect.
Katy Perry Teams Up with OPI
How have you been wearing your nails this fall? My absolute favorite shades of all time are Essie's Wicked and OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark. Oldies but goodies. Soon, there will be a new way to wear your fave shades and I'm super excited about it.
None other than Katy Perry teamed up with OPI to create a unique top coat called Black Shatter that once dry, leaves behind a cracked pattern on each nail. I think it's amazing how you can create texture in so many ways with a simple manicure. I especially like the idea of this new top coat because you can create the texture yourself in a fool proof way. No fancy specialist needed.
Miss Perry is also designing four fierce colors inspired by her album "Teenage Dream." The shades and topcoat will hit counters and nail salons in January.
What's your favorite nail polish color for fall?
New Proactiv Campaign & Giveaway
I've always been fortunate enough to never had have to use Proactiv for acne, but began using some parts of the line a few weeks ago because my roommate (who has a gorgeous complexion) raves about it. Now, I can honestly say I like the Refining Mask and Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15. I recently learned that the line goes way beyond the three step system.
I'm so used to seeing the commercials with Diddy, Jessica Simpson, Avril Lavigne, and now Katy Perry telling everyone to purchase the products that I never really payed attention. One celebrity endorsement after another I began to get jaded. Do I really think Diddy had acne and used a three-step-system? Come on.
Their new campaign caught my eye – Be proactiv. It showcases their A-list spokespeople in a new way. Instead of just endorsing the product, they encourage people to "Be Proactiv," which I feel is a much stronger, positive idea.
Now for an Exclusive BeautySweetSpot Giveaway!
Check out the new campaign below and let me know what you think. How are you Proactiv everyday?
One winner will be chosen at random on Friday, July 16th to win a full set of Proactiv products!
Celebrity Summer Trends
Nicole Richie is absolute favorite A-Lister to date because I love her style, but then there's Kate Hudson who always looks effortlessly chic. I always look to the runways and celebs to seek out the latest trends and am lucky enough to get the inside scoop for BeautySweetSpot. Allow me to fill you in on some of the latest celebrity inspired trends for the summer season.
The Smokey Eye
I've seen this look backstage at New York Fashion Week and on celebs at red carpet events all over the world. I like to rock it on Friday nights out in the city and finally conquered it with CoverGirl's Smokey ShadowBlast. On one end it has a color for your base shadow and the other has a matching shade for your liner and crease. I simply apply it and smudge it with my fingers.
Dewy Skin
Glowing, bronzed skin is definitely in (as long as you achieve it the safe way), but you need to get the natural dewy look, which can be hard for those with skin care problems like acne. Starletts like Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne love Proactiv because it's been the number one acne treatment system for the past 15 years. The three-step system targets, clears and prevents acne. Once you have clear skin, you can achieve that dewy complexion!
Tight Body
Those white skinny jeans don't look good on everyone! If you want to rock this summer's latest trends, but are feeling a little less than body confident you can use every celebrities secret weapon, Hanes Smooth Illusions. The Waist Smoother automatically sucks in your stomach, hips and thighs (where we need help most) and are only $15 in the hosiery section of any department store. Compared to other shape wear I've seen, that's a bargain!
*Note: This is a sponsored post.
Face off Fridays
