Want to know what my favorite multitasking beauty products are? Sure you do! These days, with our busy schedules, if a beauty product doesn't have more than one use, it shouldn't exist. On Wednesday I had the pleasure of doing a segment showcasing some of my favorites on New York Live with Lilliana Vasquez. Check out the segment!
Makeover Series with SheKnows: The Reveal
Working with Jessica for SheKnows was a blast. She was so genuinely grateful for her makeover and was eager to learn how to pull herself together. In the consultation video, Candace Cameron Bure and I had her try on a variety of different silhouettes and styles to see what looked best on her body type and what she felt most comfortable in. In the end, she owned her look and exuded confidence. Exactly what we wanted to see! Check out video to see her makeover reveal and my honest thoughts.
My Emmys Beauty Look
Of course by now you've read all about your favorite celebrity beauty looks from the Emmys red carpet, but I've been getting a lot of questions about my dress (since it had pockets) and beauty look that I have to share it with you. Getting ready for this big moment was a collaborative effort between the Dove team, my hairstylist and makeup artist and of course, myself. I knew exactly what direction I wanted my hair and makeup to go in for my Emmys beauty look, which was influenced by my glamourous Monique Lhuillier gown.
I woke up at 7am feeling like a child on Christmas morning (and I'm not a morning person), hopped in the shower and took the one shower challenge with new Dove Body Wash. I'm sure you saw the video I shot in my previous post on the new formula, which was upgraded and now has a richer lather, but is still a mild cleanser. I can't get enough. The promise is 'softer, smoother skin after just one shower,' just what I seek.
At 8am my makeup artist was at my door and then with me on the carpet for the day. The look: Audrey Hepurn inspired. Yep, you got it – old Hollywood glamour. "To balance out such a glamorous gown, I made sure to keep the hair and makeup fresh and youthful," she remarked. Think Taylor Swift. Not that I wanted to look like her, but she's a celeb who can pull off old school Hollywood without looking like the mother of the bride. "For the makeup, I didn't over line the eyes or lips and kept all of it soft and smudged. With the hair, it's all about texture and making sure the updo doesn't look too perfect."
So what do you think of my Emmys beauty look? You can wear it for any formal event. It was a fantastic experience and I'm so thankful!
Emmys Day Excitement
Grateful. Grateful. Grateful! I felt like I was living a dream yesterday on the E! red carpet with Dove at the Emmys! Did you watch? Here are some pics. I seriously couldn't stop smiling. Alicia Quarles and I gave two women a huge surprise and it felt awesome to be able to do that for someone. In case you missed it, check out the video!
Celebrating 5 Years Freelance: Tips from My Mentors
I'm writing this post with gratitude as I look out the window onto the Emmys red carpet from a suite at the Ritz Carlton in LA and reflect on the past five years. It's been five years to the week that I decided to quit my job and go full time freelance. Not knowing exactly where that would take me, I created a vision board filled with dreams and ambitious goals. That year, I did my first national TV segment live from the Emmys red carpet for E!. Today, I came full circle and am back on the Emmys red carpet with E!, but this time as a spokesperson for Dove coined E!'s beauty insider. What happened in between I credit to drive, networking, mentors, strategic partnerships, tunnel vision and gratitude.
People ask, Did you always love beauty? The answer... of course, but I never imagined writing beauty. My goal was to write for a magazine, much like Kate Hudson in "How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days." When a beauty editorial internship opened up at Cosmopolitan, I went for it and the rest was history. After working at Cosmo as their beauty assistant, I learned the ins and outs of beauty editorial, and beauty PR was calling my name, which is where I began writing BeautySweetSpot.com. It was only a hobby. For deets on the rest, check out this article on Forbes.
Since being on my own for five years, my goals have shifted from writing to TV hosting and spokesperson work, but of course, I still have a passion for writing. I had no idea my freelance career could and would take me this way, but as a journalist, it's an incredible feeling to be able to story tell and report on camera, too.
I've found that one of the most important elements to building a successful career is to have mentors. Here are some of my most important mentors in the past five years and some of their advice.
I've been lucky enough to have mentors all of my life. Career wise though, I met my first mentor at Cosmopolitan. Today, she's the Beauty and Style Director of People, but then, Andrea Lavinthal, was my everything. She not only believed in me enough to give me a chance, but also took the time to show me the ropes. I still look up to her. Tip: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
I met another mentor, Karen Robinovitz, when I first stared my blog while working in PR. Currently the CEO of my management company, she pushed me off the edge, encouraging me to quit my job and now, hand in hand with my manager (another mentor), Reesa Lake, guide me to make sure my brand is continuously growing. Tip: If you're not completely impressed by it, don't post it.
My father has always been a mentor in my life, but I owe him all of the credit for making me a business woman. Tip: When it comes to business, at the end of the day, most people don't care about you – so make sure you do. This, we tend to learn the hard way.
Gabby Bernstein is the most recent person to come into my life who I consider a mentor. A world renowned life coach, I met her over breakfast and the rest was history. Tip: In order to live life in a state of joy, you must forgive and be grateful. I couldn't agree more and living this way has as she would say, 'made miracles happen.'
You'll learn that mentors come in and out of your life for different reasons. They teach you, encourage you, enable you, believe in you and have your back. Without my mentors, I'm not sure what these past five years would have looked like. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone you look up to for advice. They could end up being your next mentor. And pay it forward.
So, five years from now? Well, it's time to make another vision board.
My 1st E! Commercial for Dove
Have you been watching E! lately? Well, whether you've been Keeping Up with the Kardashians or not, I scored a copy of the commercial that's been airing all week starring Alicia Quarles and yours truly. We have something huge planned for Emmys night with Dove, so make sure you tune into E!'s red carpet coverage. PS: A new commercial airs this week so tune in! For more...
Top 5 Spring Makeup Trends
One of my favorite spring makeup trends is orange lipstick. Call me crazy, but yes everyone can pull it off. Last week on NBC's New York Live, I chatted with Jacque Reid about how to take the top five spring makeup trends from runway to real way. Yes, I promise you can even begin incorporating blue eyeshadow into your look. Here are all the details and my segment.
1. White Eyeliner
White eyeliner is fresh and can give the appearance of bigger eyes, while minimizing any redness in them. You can replace your black liner and line your upper lash line or simply your waterline, because white liner makes a statement no matter where you place it. Not ready to go bold, try a using nude for the same brightening effect. Try Rouge Bunny Rouge Brightening Liner Duo in Eyes Wide Open, $32.67 at beautyhabit.com.
2. Orange Lipstick
When trying to pull off such a striking color you need to consider your skin tone. You can wear true orange if you're have olive skin. Otherwise, opt for a red orange like a coral. Pick a matte consistency to help control it from bleeding and choose the intensity that works within your comfort zone using either a bit of a stain or layering liner and lipstick. I like mark Gloss Gorgeous Stay On Lip Stain in Frilly, Lolli and Pop, $7 at meetmark.com, NARS Lipstick Rouge A Levres in Heat Wave, $26 and NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square, $25 at narscosmetics.com.
3. Radiant Orchid Cheeks
This look is very feminine, but can be as fashion forward as you want to take it. Here, you want to experiment with texture. A highly pigmented powder will give you more drama, while a tinted cheek stain will have a less dramatic effect. Two examples: Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Plum Pop, $21 at Sephora.com and Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush, $30 at tartecosmetics.com.
4. Blue Eyelids
One of the biggest spring makeup trends is using blue on the eyes. There are two ways to wear blue eyeliner without looking crazy. For an all over wash of pigment, use a cream based eye shadow and take your ring finger. Dip it into the pot and slide your finger across your lids. You can reapply to create a bolder, more intense fashion forward look. You can also incorporate the shade into a smokey eye. Try using cream shadows for the all over wash of color like wet n wild Idol Eyes Crème Shadow in Distress, $1.99 at drugstores or Shiseido Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Inky Blue, $25 at Sephora.com.
5. White Nail Polish
I recommend getting this professionally painted so it doesn't look sloppy. Some white polishes are too streaky, which makes them look cheap instead of sophisticated. Experiment with the texture and use a polish with a blue or grayish tint, because it will look good on all skin tones even if you're pale. Check out Jin Soon Nail Polish in Kookie White, $18 at Nordstrom.com.
Check out my segment on NBC's New York Live featuring all of the above:
Express Beauty Treatments in NYC on NBC
I'm really excited about this segment, because it's the first one I did for New York Live outside of the studio! I escorted the super talented, Joelle Garguilo, around NYC to two of my favorite places that offer express beauty treatments that can be done in a one hour lunch break. First, to Dr. Dennis Gross' office for a mini facial, then to the Oscar Blandi Salon for a blowout with a boost! Check out the segment here!
Behind the Scenes on Set with A Celebrity Stylist
I was recently back on set, this time with one of my favorite celebrity hair stylists, Mark Townsend for Dove®. He's been busy working with some of Hollywood’s leading ladies, so when I have a chance to sit in his chair, I take it! This time, we partnered to show you how to get some extra sass in your hair style. I can't wait to show you the video, but for now, here are some behind the scenes pics.
PS: While on set, I completely fell in love with the Dove® Style + Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse. As Mark says, "It's essential for a good blow out!"
*This is a sponsored post by Dove® and the Style Coalition, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.
You're Invited: Communications Career Conference
Looking to get into the industry or want to get ahead in this cut-throat world of media? My one piece of advice: network. You have the golden opportunity this Saturday, November 9th at NYU. Each year, the New York Women in Communications Foundation holds a conference for students and young professionals with the most influential in the biz. This year, be speaking on a Blogging 101 panel and Eva Chen, the Editor-In-Chief of Teen Vogue, is the keynote. Learn more and register here.
How to Look Good in A Bikini on 'Live from the Couch'
Today I spent the morning with Carolina Bermudez and Lisa Kerney on "Live from the Couch" dishing How to Look Good in A Bikini. Check out the segment and keep reading for a full list of the products featured. Boots No. 7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment, $19.99 at Walgreens
Schick Quatro for Women TrimStyle, $9.99 at Drugstores
Shaveworks The Cool Fix Rollerball, $21 at Sephora
Australian Gold® Sheer Coverage Continuous Spray with Kona Coffee Bronzers SPF 30, $9.49 at drugstores
e.l.f. Studio Lip Balm SPF 15, $3 at eyeslipsface.com
Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray, $17 at professional salons nationwide (visit aquage.com for locations)
Lulu Frost La Boheme Turban #7, $60 at lulufrost.com
How to Prep for the Best Night Ever... Vegas Style!
A few days ago I posted a video about how to have the best night ever in Vegas showcasing the 1 Oak Nightclub where I had the chance to interview the cute doorman. (LOL, I know). Well, before I hit the club, I visited the Amp Blow Bar and Salon in the Palms Casino Reto get prepped, because of course as you know, before you hit the scene, you need to make sure you're looking sexy!
Check out my prep video sponsored by Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy. Check out the video and make sure to share your #BestNightEver with me (@beautysweetspot), @StyleCaster, and @clearhair on Twitter!
New Project: A Makeover Web Series with SheKnows TV
Last week I was working on an exciting project for SheKnows TV with Candace Cameron Bure (yes, DJ Tanner from Full House) and Style Expert, Felix Mercado in Arizona. Over three days, we filmed a makeover series, sponsored by Aveeno, seriously tweaking the looks of two victims who were much more beautiful than they gave themselves credit for. As soon as I saw them I couldn't wait to get my hands on them! Let's just say that one of them piled on foundation like there was no tomorrow and the other was very plain Jane.
Working with Candace and Felix was such a pleasure. First of all I have to tell you that Candace is no "DJ Tanner." Of course, that's who I (and all of America) associate her with immediately when hearing her name, but she's grown way beyond her teenage character. One word to describe her: stunning. She has the most flawless skin I've ever seen and credits it to Dr. Lancer in LA. So gorgeous that it's worth booking a flight across country to go see that derm!
Felix is a friend of mine from NYC so I was super psyched to be working on this project with him. His brutal honesty with our makeover victims had me dying laughing and I don't think I can ever get dressed again without consulting with him first. He is fierce! Check out his blog.
Of course, after consulting with each girl I had a makeup artist and hairstylist execute the looks I had in mind, Bianca Catnis, who really understood my visions. I may know a thing or two about beauty, but God knows not to put me next to a pair of scissors! I shared a makeup artist and hairstylist with Candace, Allison Pynn. This woman is talent. I like to call her a ninja of all trades. She applied individual lashes in .2 seconds, never allowed me to look shiny under the lights and had everything from her brushes to fashion tape in her makeup belt. She got it, every aspect of what could possibly be needed. It's nice to work with people who really care and understand.
The SheKnows team, Candace and Felix really made the 12 hour shoot days fly by. I had a blast shooting this series with such a talented group of people and can't wait to show it to you what I did to the girls when it's live!
