Holiday Presence: The Health & Beauty Gift Guide

Lancome- Paris Holiday Gift Set: Creme-Mousse Confort, Rose Jelly Mask, Tonique Confort, Bienfait Multi-Vital Night, Bien Multi-Vital Sunscreen Cream with large, gold zippered travel bag to store everything. 

The trend for 2020 is clear, nourished and hydrated skin. It's a new decade and in my opinion, this is where things are trending in beauty: Neutral palettes highlighting clean even-toned skin with a bold lip for evening. Likewise, rejuvenating, restful sleep is also going to be in play towards overall natural beauty. 

Health and Beauty Spa Quality Gifts for others on your list...for you!

Here are a few spa-worthy gifts that will bring a smile (and glow) to your recipient's face or even yours!

• Garner's Garden 100% Natural Skincare This collection includes shea-rich body butters with Lavender and Citrus essential oils. These whipped body butters are organic and unrefined making them perfect for sensitive skin. Also, their Lavender Moisturizing Body Oil can be applied before a bath or shower to pre-condition the skin.  This set can be found at GarnersGarden.com 
  
  

Holiday Fashions with Michael Kors, Musse & Cloud and Ruby Ribbon

Polished holiday styles for shopping, parties and dinners!

Christmas is just around the corner and you'll want to look great shopping, traveling to family gatherings and going out. Sometimes all three in one day! So it's important to be comfortable while doing it. I've chosen some of my favorite kicks, bags and an outfit that will throw them a few curves at the same time.

Ruby Ribbon Jane Top in Heather and Fit and Flair Skirt in Black

Ruby Ribbon separates are incredibly comfortable to wear while acting as stealthy shape wear under it all. That's because the pieces have built in control panels just where you need them. 
The Jane Top has strategic layers with silicone grips along the hem to keep it down which unlike other shape wear, really stays put. I wore it out as you can see above and tucked in as seen below. No matter, it stayed put!

Jane Top tucked inside the skirt for a different look

Spring Break Travel Must Haves

Spring Break means heading someplace warm. Here's what you'll need!

Oh Spring Break. I can remember everyone piling into my college roommate's car and heading for Daytona Beach. Once you got there (about a 2-3 days drive from Rutgers in New Jersey), you'd find that you maybe didn't have what you really needed to make for the beach. Well, don't let this happen to you! Here are some of my favorite travel must haves for Spring Break:

Beach-Me Essentials

Beach Time
There are things that you really want to have if you are going to be anywhere near the water. Everything you see in the photo above arrived in my classic navy striped monogrammed beach tote by Personalize Your Life. Very roomy with a zippered, waterproof pocket inside, I carry a Klean Kanteen of ice water and a packet of Grass Fed Beef Jerky by Think Jerky.

Personalize Your Life Navy Beach Tote, Klean Kanteen and Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Lacoste Luxury Beach Towels SS2016 Collection
Now you know you can't take the towels from the hotel to the beach! They're just too skimpy anyway so bring your own. I like these new bold designs from the Lacoste SS2016 Collection (remember the little green crocodile?)  Shown here in Fizzy Turquoise and Sunset Pink, they are 100% cotton and made in India. Very plush from Lacoste, available at Nordstrom, Macys and online HERE.

Lacoste Beach Towel in Sunset Pink

Your Dream Swimsuit
This is the time to bring it...literally. This beautiful leopard print bikini is by Anabel Arto and has beautiful gold embellishments on the straps and bottom. What I especially like about this collection is that the top (and bottom for that matter) can also double as intimate wear. So it's like having an extra bra and panty along which can help save space when packing. See all her swimsuit styles at Anabel Arto online.

Anabel Arto Swimsuit

Beach to Lunch Footwear - NEW Melissa Charlotte Sandals by Jason Wu
These new SS2016 Melissa Charlotte Sandals by Jason Wu are so NOT flip flops. Bright red perfume infused PVC and completely waterproof with a little heel. These run true to size or even a little small so you may want to go a size up. All the same they are beautiful and a must-pack travel essential. Available at Nordstrom, Bergdoff Goodman, Net-A-Porter or purchase online HERE at Shop Melissa.

Melissa Sandals by Jason Wu

Health & Beauty to Go - Zen Box Essential Oils
The Zen Box is a genius subscription which introduces you to beneficial essential oils for health, beauty and yes, relaxation. Each month you receive two high quality essential oils plus a bonus product to explore. Pop them in your bag and you're ready for anything. What's so great is that each little natural essential oil bottle has a gazillion uses and can even replace many products taking up space in your travel bag: 

Subscribe at ZenOilBox.com

• A few drops of Lavender helps you relax, get to sleep and even repels insects
• A few drops of Frankincense in a 8 oz glass of water makes an amazing mouthwash
• Use the premixed Oil Blends for specific needs and health concerns

Zen Box Essential Oils are travel ready

Beach Beauty Essentials
Wet hair is practically a given for pool parties and trips to the beach. I like to bring along a multi-tasking brush like this one shown above from Monroe Brushes. It's oval core and 100% boar bristle brushes, The Grand Gala can be used for styling with a blow dryer and finishing fine to medium-processed hair. This means it's gentle enough to use on chlorinated tresses or hair that's seen a bit of sea and sun. See The Grand Gala at Monroe Brushes online.

Speaking of sun, I especially like Dr. Obagi's Mineral Sun Shield, Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It's really the best type of non-chemical sunblock. Hawaiian Tropic just launched their new Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 and Sheer Touch After Sun Moisturizer - Ultra Radiance which leaves a subtle glow on the skin. Also Urban Skin Rx Hydrating Lip Treatment contains rich avocado oil and offers long lasting moisture. The Milky Cow hand cream in Sweet Berry is from Korea. 

NEW Summer releases from Hawaiian Tropic

Of course always remember your shades! Shown here are my classic shades, Wayfarers by Ray-Ban and below The Super Model by Jack Eyes, NYC

The Super Model Eyewear in Red Tortoise by Jack Eyes
Lady Angry Dragon Watch by Rapp Black

Detail on Lady Angry Dragon

Air Brushed Makeup to Go - Mineral Air
I've been using Kett Cosmetics Hydro Foundation makeup via compressor & airbrush gun for several years now. High Definition (HD) print work, television and public appearances require a flawless, nearly invisible finish. While I find the coverage and ease of airbrushing to be unparalleled, I've not been able to find a portable unit small enough for travel...until now. Mineral Air is a self contained, cordless mini-compressor, not an aerosol spray like Dior's Airflash Foundation. Mix your airbrush foundation in the unit and close the top. Simple. Small enough to pop in your handbag, I can't wait to take it on vacation!  I will be giving the airbrush unit and the foundation a full review this spring so check back or visit MineralAir.com. Here is the ingredient list for this mineral based foundation:
Sea Salt, Algae Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Olive Squalanne, Pomegranate, Argan Oils, Ceramides 2, 3 and 6 II, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins C and E.

Mineral Air compact, cordless airbrush compressor and foundation

Accessories & products c/o the designers/companies included herewith.

Bombshell Buffed Beach Body - Model Tricks

Model Tricks for smooth, toned and (faux) tanned skin!

Summer is in full swing and you may be thinking about that trip to the beach or a pool party invite. We all need a little extra "buffing up" so are a few tips and tricks from Victoria's Secret runway and swimwear models who have to look good for a living. You heard it here first:

Skin Prep-Exfoliate First
If you routinely practice Dry Skin Brushing, something I've recommended many times here, your skin may not need very much exfoliation. You can skip this section and move on to your cellulite cream application. If not, try a fine scrub with something like aluminum oxide crystals. Bioelixia Exfoliating Body Polish is a good one but there are others. You can also use a Clarisonic with a Body Brush Extension Handle. What you want is everything smoothed down so that the cellulite treatments and self tanners will take evenly.

Scrubs and or a Clarisonic offer excellent exfoliation 

Try Dry Body Brushing
Using a dry, natural bristled brush, start with the soles of your feet and move up with strokes towards the heart. This is like an external lymphatic massage and is very helpful in removing toxins and increasing circulation. Be sure to include the area of your arm pits and bikini line. Your skin will glow with a healthy pinkness! Jump in the shower to rinse away any excess skin cells you've brushed off. Now anything you apply on your skin will absorb evenly and completely.

Sublime Beauty Cellulite Whisperer - Crystal Springs Resort & Spa

Sublime Beauty Cellulite Whisperer Gel and Cream
The next step after your Dry Body Brushing and shower is to apply a really effective cellulite gel or cream. Even if you do not have cellulite, a product like this can help smooth the skin and add to a sleek body. Now I've tried nearly every cellulite cream out there from Lancome to Embryolisse to ones used exclusively at spas. None have them have even come close to the tightening and smoothing I've gotten from dry brushing PLUS using Sublime Beauty Cellulite Whisperer products. The Gel and Cream are made with mostly organic herbs, green tea, vitamins and minerals. They also contain the key ingredient in all good cellulite creams, CAFFEINE. First I apply the Cellulite Whisperer Gel and let it absorb. Next I apply the cream and I'm done.

My legs poolside in West Palm Beach

Get That Polished Look
Once your legs (arms too) have been treated with Cellulite Whisperer, you can add your self tanners, shimmers and leg oils. Kate Moss swears by a dry oil by St. Tropez and others rave over Brazil Nut Oil but you can do better with applying some Australian Gold Spray Gel with Instant Bronzer. The Australian Gold contains sunscreen and Tea Tree Oil to help protect your skin from sun damage. Top that off with a bit of Pure Certified Organic Sesame Oil which can also be combed through your hair before hitting the beach or pool. 

Runway Secret: Add a little gold shimmer highlighter down the center of your legs before going out for the evening for extra drama! It will make you legs look extra glossy and slimmer.

Pure Certified Organic Sesame Oil for skin and hair

Do a 3 Day Juice Cleanse
This is something you can do over the weekend because there is a lot of water involved so you might want to stay home. I like Chef V's Green Drink and if you live in the greater NYC/Metro area like me, you can have it delivered fresh to your door. This is a way to get rid of toxins which are the result of eating fast food and processed treats. I eat very clean but like to do a 1 day juice fast once a month. You can find similar Green Drinks at Wegman's and Whole Food Markets or just blend up your own at home using raw kale, spinach and beet tops. Chef V includes a delicious summer squash or sweet potato soup in with your Green Drink Cleanse. So delicious and you'll fit into that bikini in no time. 

NYC's Chef V Green Drink

Summer Haircare & Style Secrets
If you are going to the beach or pool, be sure to add a little protecting oil or cream to your hair. Comb it through and pull it up in a bun and pop on a swim cap if you are going in the water. If you are going to be near the water but not necessarily doing swan dives, you can lightly flat iron your hair with Theorie's Heat Shield Thermal Spray. It adds a super high gloss while protecting your hair from the flat or curling irons. It also blocks humidity for up to 24 hours which should keep the frizz away until you get home.

Theorie Saga II Classic Flat Iron
Speaking of flat irons, Theorie's Saga II Classic is so luxurious. State of the art Titanium floating plates have rounded edges for snag free styling. It heats up in seconds with LED temperature settings from 310 - 450 degrees. Far infrared technology helps hair retain moisture for a silky-smooth finish. Get the Heat Spray and Flat Iron both at YourTheorie.com

Theorie's Saga II Classic Flat Iron and Heat Spray

Destination Beach Wedding with Carve Designs, Carrie Dunham, Naturalizer Shoes

Attending a tropical, destination wedding? Here are some beach-worthy outfits and accessories to pack.

SOMEWHERE WARM AND SUNNY Whether you are the bride or a bridesmaid, a destination wedding or anniversary celebration is definitely in your not too distant future. Wedding season may be in full swing but here's how to get ready for beach nuptials plus all the dinners and outings these invitations often include. First check out how to get ready for your flight using my super streamlined packing list by reading: "What's in My Resort Bag?"

Getting Your Beach Body Back
Summer is HERE so look for not only those beach wedding invites but pool parties, trips to the shore and water sports such as kayaking and boating. A really quick way to get in shape is to do Dry Body Brushing at least 3x per week. Long strokes with a firm boar bristle brush followed by an application of Cellulite Whisperer Gel and Lotion by Sublime Beauty will shape you up in about 2 weeks. Get some extra exercise too. Walk about 3 hours total per week and cut down on the saturated fat.

Dry Body Brushing =big results! Sublime Beauty's Cellulite Whisperer & Wilma Schumann Algae Contouring Soap.

Bronzed & Buffed
You can go the salon spray tan route but I prefer Fake Bake Tanning Butter and Tinted Body Glow. Both formulas are very moisturizing and give a beautiful, natural tan. I also like Australian Gold SprayGel Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer which has a SPF of 30. This product is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and contains both tea tree and olive oils as well as aloe. Protect your face with something like Yes to Cucumbers, Calming Moisturizer - SPF 30 or Obagi Medical's Hydra-Factor which also has SPF 30. Always remember to wear your sunglasses for all outdoor events.

Air travel can take the moisture out of your skin

Your Plane Trip
Staying Moist is easy with Wilma Schumann European Skin Care Hydrating Facial Mist. At under 3 ozs, it is the perfect size to take on your flight and combat dry cabin air. 

Stay moist and protected in the summer sun.

Summer Outfit Ideas-Because Life's a Beach
What do you bring when you may be spending days on the sand and nights on the town? It's easier than you think and won't mean emptying your closet into your suitcase! Bring the basics and switch up your look with accessories.

Expect to attend bridal and anniversary luncheons. The Cooper-West Palm Beach

The first outfit is The Gansett Dress by Carve Designs of California and will take you from the beach to shopping or even lunch. The Pebble Leather Tote is by designer Carrie Dunham. Looks much more posh than a rustic tote but is fully lined in nautical striped fabric. The Sag Harbor and Nantucket ladies do lunch like this. Fabulous!

Gansett Dress in color Anchor Bali by Carve Designs, CA

Leather Bag by Carrie Dunham, Dahnny Sandals by Naturalizer

Switch it Up with a Cover Up!
Here's how a few accessories can change up this Gansett Dress. I've topped this sweet frock with the Lagoon Tunic in White with Anchor details. This works for blocking a bit of sun and keeping off the chill when the sun goes down or when you encounter AC. Looks like a completely different outfit layered this way so be sure to pack both.

The Lagoon Tunic changes up this whole outfit.

Your Evening Out
An easy way to transition from a day at the beach to dinner out is to bring a maxi dress. This Maxi Tank Dress is made of 100% Pure Organic Cotton and is the softest dress I own. Made by Indigenous, it is fully lined and so easy to wear. You will feel extremely elegant in a longer dress like this.

Maxi Tank Dress by Indigenous

Take Cover
One thing I was happy to have brought when I visited West Palm Beach last month was a little cover up. Just the thing for going out to dinner in air conditioned restaurants or for taking a walk at sunset. Some of my favorite toppers are those made by Carve Designs. 

Stylish yet comfy evening outfit.

Get one in WHITE and it will top most any and everything you'll wear this summer. Here, I'm wearing The Anderson Cardigan by Carve Designs while going to dinner. It can be draped over the shoulders as a shawl. Tres chic!

Anderson Cardigan tops my Maxi Tank Dress in style.

Indigenous Maxi Tank Dress in Organic Cotton

Shoes & Bag
I purchased these beautiful yet comfortable coral sandals by Sofia-Z Natalia Designer Shoes for dressier evenings out. Despite the  5 inch heels, they are reasonably easy on your feet. I paired these shoes with my Dsenyo Fair Trade Adriana Clutch with lovely woven floral textures.

Dsenyo Clutch & Sofia-Z Designer Sandals

Summer Beach Accessories
A straw hat like the one in the lead photo from Pistil Designs and sunglasses are obvious choices. Your jewelry can be cool jade, tan and white leather with rose gold. My jewelry choices for this shoot were more aquatic, natural and organic. Follow these points and you will be so ready for that upcoming beach wedding, trip or vacation as you can mix and match these outfits into several stunning looks.

Summer beach accessories take a cue from nature. 

Philip Stein Bracelet & Daniel Wellington Classic Ladies Watch

Garments c/o Carve Designs and Indigenous respectively.
Dahnny Leather Sandals c/o Naturalizer Shoes available at Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom's
On Location Set Design & Photography by Magda
Makeup: Kett Cosmetics

Lights,Camera, Action at Jack Studios Chelsea

My day on the set of Jack Studios, 601 26th Street, NYC.

Chelsea, NYC I'm always looking for great on location spots to shoot fashion content for Best Picks Magazine and my Vanity Fair Looks page. We often shoot street-style here in NYC but as you saw from my reporting from Fashion Week 2015, weather and lighting conditions are often not ideal. This is especially important if you are doing a music video, commercial or film and need a controlled environment. This is when you will want to rent professional studio space for the day. 

Roy Schwalbach - President of Jack Studios

Lighting is Everything
I was told about Jack Studios which is conveniently located in Chelsea, at 601 West 26th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues. What you may not know is that this part of Manhattan does not have the same bedrock underpinnings of Midtown. Therefore there are not many skyscrapers in lower Manhattan which allows for gorgeous, unobstructed, natural lighting. I noticed this also in the West Village when we shot at Bobo Restaurant. Such is the case at Jack Studios which has amazing 360 degree sunlighting from all directions.

Roy showing me the incredible view & lighting in Studio 1.

Jack Studios (named after Roy's Chocolate Lab) has been in operation since 1995. Roy converted this building from a run down sewing shop to the bright connected space you see now with 8 stages that cover everything from commercials, print, video and feature films. The walls between stages are movable, allowing for even greater space and lighting possibilities. Jack Studios currently has over 850 active clients including Toyota, Dooney & Bourke,Vanity Fair, Victoria's Secret, MCM, and more usual suspects of the fashion world. The space also hosts live fashion shows, music events as well as operating as a show room for designers.

Iconic view of the New York Skyline

My Fashion Shoot at Jack Studios
Roy invited us to shoot our SS2015 Fashions & Accessories for Best Picks Magazine and my Vanity Fair Looks at his studio during our visit. We included his new line of elegant eye wear, namely The Super Model in Red Tortoise by Jack Eyes Sunglasses. 

On my way to one of the studios for the first shoot.

Jack Eyes Sunglasses, Cate & Chloe Jewelry

 

Travel Raincoat by ExOfficio. Winter Garden dress by Cindy & Johnny

This is just a tease, I know! More to come, I promise, for my Mother's Day special feature and on my Vanity Fair Looks Page. Suffice it to say that Jack Studios is the 5 star hotel of fashion studios. 2 million, three thousand square feet of naturally lit studio space. Absolutely immaculate, rest/makeup rooms and mirrors everywhere plus a Smoothie Bar to die for. Everything we needed was there on site. Editors, designers if you need space for your upcoming fashion shoot, runway show or a show room, THIS is the place to be. See more film, photography and fashion options online at JackStudios.com

Winter Sparkle Evening and Everyday Makeup Trends for the New Year

Shimmer and sparkle are ON for evening. Neutral naked palettes for daytime.

Whether you are planning on ringing in the New Year with a bit of glitz or are looking for a neutral, almost naked eye palette for everyday, here's what's trending for 2015. Bold, rich colors for lips and eyes in neutral tones of beige, brown and pink. Most professional makeup artists start with the eyes so let's talk about what's hot right now.

Eyes: Going Naked? No, Try Lorac's Unzipped
I had a chance to see Urban Decay's new Naked3 Pallet this past fall. I saw it at Ulta and the sales woman kept going on about it. Really, it didn't look THAT much different from the first two releases, although the Naked3 had more of a pink, flesh tone to them. 

I looked up a dupe for their palette and Lorac's Unzipped Eye Shadow Palette came up. Lorac is makeup artist quality pigment and often seen on the runway and red carpet. Like the Urban Decay set, the Lorac Unzipped comes with an eyelid primer and has 10 ultra-rich shimmering and matte shadows. The mirrored case has a magnetic closure and this nude eye shadow palette is one you will reach for day after day. By LoracCosmetics.com

Pacifica Natural Minerals Stellar Eye Trio and Lorac Unzipped Eye Shadow Palette

Pacifica Natural Minerals Stellar Eye Trio
Going natural is on trend for 2015 and so this Stellar Eye Trio is 100% Vegan and made from natural minerals. I especially like the Natural Color Eye Pencil which goes on very smoothly in a rich matte black. Likewise the little Natural Eye Shadow Duo is ready to travel with two colors: Unicorn and Moonbeam. Has an almost creamy feel and goes on with a lit from within glow without too much shimmer. By PacificaBeauty.com and available at Whole Foods Markets nationwide.

Another favorite of mine is ELF's Black Shimmer Eye Pencil which comes with its own sharpener. Rather than flat black pencil line, the ELF Eye Pencil looks almost moist on due to the shimmer. You also might want to try Esum Brushes, namely their G27 Brush. So soft, they are amazing for blending pigments. See them at MuseBeauty.Pro

Sparkle and Shimmer for Lips and Nails

Lip Service
Just for evening, a neutral or even smokey eye gives you license to add a bit of glitter to your mouth and nails. I just wouldn't do both in shimmer as it may be too much. 
Glitz Fix by Ciate - London
This is really theatrical but the two part kit consists of primer and top glitter. Comes with a mini fan brush for blending the glitter out from the center of your lips for an ombre look. Definitely rock this look for New Year's Eve! See it at CiateLondon.com

The glitz and glitter squad.

Mineral Fusion Sheer Moisture Lip Tints
Rich in natural oils and botanicals like jojoba and aloe, these lips tints are VERY comfortable to wear and look amazing on. 100% vegetarian, paraben free and artificial color free. Made in the USA. Visit them online at MineralFusion.com

Mineral Fusion Mini Nail Polish Kit
This 100% Vegan Chip Resistant Formula is formaldehyde, toluene, camphor and dbp free. The smaller sized pots travel well. They go on very smoothly and dry quickly. This kit consists of:

Galaxy (dark blue glitter)
Royal Rubble (dark purple glitter)
Berried Gem (cranberry glitter)

Another new favorite of mine is from PINK (Victoria's Secret). Nail Paint. Shown here below in sparkly gold, I got it along with the PINK Nation Racer Back Bra that was in this year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. The PINK Nail Paints are VERY luxe and have a long lasting high wattage glitter. Use them to accent a manicure as they cover extremely well.

PINK Nail Paint in Gold

Victoria's Secret PINK Accessories, Mine
Cosmetics c/o the companies so listed herewith