Beauty

February 15, 2012

Fall 2012 Fashion Week: Naeem Khan

We started off the Naeem Khan fall 2012 experience backstage with James Boehmer, NARS Director of Global Artistry, who told us the look is “all about the liner paired with radiant skin.” He used the Eyeliner Stylo, a new item for NARS coming out in fall 2012 paired with the Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara to create the cool, graphic eye look, while Laurent Philippon for Bumble & Bumble thought of an easy, slouchy French twist made to look spontaneous and a bit messy with pieces coming out in the front for added softness. Since the clothing were largely in a palette of silver, cream, and black, CND’s Angi Winkle used two coats of Bloodline to add “a pop of color to the collection.”

[Image via MBFashionWeek.com]

Inspired by the “decadence and dust of India,” Khan stated that it took ” hundreds of artisans and three months to put together. This collection is a blend of various ancient artistic techniques used on both bodies and textiles, coming together in a vision fit for the 21st century.” The lineup was indeed gorgeous, meant for red carpet dressing or luxurious lounging, as Khan stays true to his quality and craftsmanship, which trumps all trends and fads.

–Julia DiNardo

February 10, 2012

Milbon Linkage Meu: How a Quick Service Radically Improved My Hair

by fashion pulse contributor

[Post-treatment, starting the blow dry process]

Ladies, we all know what a good hair day can do for your self-esteem. For this reason alone, I must highly praise (and thank) the Milbon Linkage Meu treatment I recently received at its launch party at the Rita Hazan hair salon on Fifth Avenue.

Linkage Meu is a quick, three-step salon treatment which regenerates the quality of your hair. Designed to be an additional service to a salon’s normal offerings of cut, color and blow dry, the Linkage Meu treatment consists of a shampoo, conditioner, and final coat, plus aroma therapy and a home care component. Cohesively, it protects and conditions to provide silky, smooth, pliable hair.
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February 8, 2012

CND’s Shellac Salon Certification Program: 4 Ways to Guarantee the Shellac Seal of Approval

by fashion pulse contributor

Shellac has become a hot topic in the manicure world, and why shouldn’t it? A manicure that promises to last two weeks, won’t chip, and dries smudge-free instantly… sounds like an extraordinary wish come true!

However, manicurists and consumers have confirmed that not all of the Shellac manicures are created equal, and the reason? Some customers in salons are being told they are receiving CND Shellac polish, but in actuality they are experiencing “gel-polish” fraud with services that can ruin nails upon removal. CND is taking a stand to crack down against these fakers and ensure ultimate quality with their new CND Shellac Salon Certification Program.

Official, yes, but certainly worth it, the program will deploy CND Education Ambassadors to visit locations across the country registered on CND.com as Shellac Salons, provide training, and guarantee each salon meets the criteria to be granted the seal of approval.

Keep your eye out for the “Certified” window cling in the salon entrance and the icon found on CND.com’s Salon Locator.

Most importantly, stay an educated consumer. Do your research and follow these four easy pointers to make sure you’re receiving the real deal: CND SHELLAC:

1. First, look for that CND seal of approval on the window of your salon.

2. Speak up! Ask if your salon uses CND Shellac products.

3. Look at the products being used during your service – if you don’t see CND Shellac on the bottle, guess what? It’s NOT.

4. Upon removal, never soak your nails in a bowl of acetone. Instead, request CND Shellac Remover Wraps or the cotton and tin foil removal method.

-Alana Quagliariello

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February 8, 2012

Treat Your Guy for V-Day, Spa-Style

by Julia DiNardo

Ties, cuff links, watches, cologne…typical guy gift stuff, right? We wanted to put together a helpful guide on what to get for that special guy in your life that he will actually use, and use frequently, with no nagging involved. Below we have our top guy-approved, guy-tested picks that will give your man the DIY spa treatment.

The Body Shop: Men’s Essentials Kit, $30 For Men Maca Root Wash Off Shave Oil, $10, Men’s Synthetic Shaving Brush, $12

Making shaving an experience, rather than a “must” is critical. We’re really into the results, as well as the terrific price point of The Body Shop’s for men line– get him a travel kit, or the products individually; we love the Maca Root products’ aroma, and the Wash Off Shave Oil is terrific for hydration and providing a slick razor barrier. Don’t forget to complete the gift with the ultimate in shaving indulgence — a shaving brush!

Grooming Lounge “He’s Got Issues” Gift Set, $62.50

Grooming Lounge has a bevy of terrific ‘man products’, plus Barbershop and Spa locations in case you’d like to put your man’s upkeep into another person’s capablehands. For V-Day, we love the He’s Got Issues Set for “man-tenance” issues that a Nose & Ear Hair Trimmer and Fingernail Clipper can easily take care of!

The Art of Shaving Alum Pen, $12; Horn HandCrafted Straight Razor, $260; Compact Shaving Stand, $60

For the guy who is already into finer products and accoutrements, give him accessories that have been on his bucket list, like the alum pen to stop bleeding when a shaving knick or scratch occurs, an artfully crafted straight razor (that is, only if he has a steady hand!), or a shaving stand for his brush and/or razor. If you haven’t already, sign up with the “Brotherhood of Shaving” to get info on upcoming events and promotions.

Frederic Malle Perfume Gun in 1ER MAI (four other options are also available), 500 ML bottle, $145

Room sprays are automatically given a masculine edge with this opulent and aromatic perfume gun by perfumer Dominique Ropion for Frederic Malle, which will make any “man cave” smell more like “a cluster of lily of the valley hidden in the shade of the underbrush” than stale beer, Cheetos, and anything else STILL left lying about from last week’s Super Bowl party.