Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all and to all a beautiful night!! xx

Black Pearl: A Love Story

Oh Chanel, how do I love thee?

Chanel constantly churns out phenomenal colors. Their cosmetics are coveted by beauty and fashion elite alike. And while most of us can't afford one of the gorgeous quilted bags, we can afford a blush, eyeshadow or nail polish. Each piece is housed in a sleek black casing with the gleaming white, interlocking Cs. Season after season, Chanel releases limited edition polish colors which just the mere mention of incites an immediate need for that polish. You don't just want it, you need it. Hence the crazy fast sell-outs (remember Jade?). Black Pearl is a need. Trust me, you need this polish. Go. Buy. It. NOW! (Seriously, before it's sold out.)

Seen first adorning the nails of the models on the Chanel runway in Paris, the blurry backstage photos of the bottle were enough to create a major buzz about the mysterious Black Pearl. I have been patiently awaiting the release of this particular color and now it's finally here! It will be available at Chanel counters in January, but you can purchase it now on Chanel.com.

Two coats gives great coverage and the color is a perfect murky greenish black. I'm in lacquer heaven. This is totally a gift to myself. A very Merry Christmas to me!

And the Winner is.....

Drum roll please.....Fritos and Foie Gras is the lucky winner! Congratulations. Please email me the address you would like me to send your polish.

Disclaimer- Justin actually was the original winner of the drawing, but as he said, he wouldn't know what to do with it.

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Chanel Giveaway

Happy Holidays dear readers! It's definitely the most wonderful time of the year. And to help spread a little holiday cheer, I'm giving away a bottle of Chanel's Le Vernis in Pulsion (part of their Holiday 2010 collection). Chanel chose a bright pink theme for this season.

To enter, please follow The Beauty Beat and leave a comment with your favorite holiday color be it red, green, gold, silver or pink!

The deadline to enter is midnight, Monday December 20th. I want to make sure the lucky winner has their polish for the holiday. One winner will be chosen at random and announced on December 21st. (One entry per person please). Good luck!!

A Little Sparkle for the Holidays

Who doesn't love a little something sparkly for the holidays? Exactly, we all do. To fulfill my sparkly dreams I've been wearing China Glaze's Glam lately and it's the perfect amount of holiday glitz.

As I've mentioned before, sometimes I fear that sparkles, glitter or any variation on the theme can be a touch juvenile. Well, not this polish, this is just plain fun! It's a clear polish with pieces of pink glitter. I have received so many compliments and questions on what I'm wearing. It's definitely an eye-catcher.

It's fun without being too much. And even though it's pink it goes with everything. If you want a little sparkle this holiday season, I suggest giving this one a try.

Jewelry of the Month?

(image via Styelist)

I realize this post isn't about beauty but I felt like discussing it anyway, so here we go. JewelMint is a new jewelry line collaboration between Kate Bosworth and celeb stylist Cher Coulter.

While leafing through January's issue of Lucky Magazine, which the lovely Kate is on, I was able to preview some pieces from the collection. Kate wears several on the cover including a set of earrings and some stackable rings (which are super cute). But what really caught my eye was the "Poseidon" pendant. I love long, statement necklaces, so I immediately went online to JewelMint's site to buy it. I was already sold from the picture. Sadly, when I got to the page, I was met with confusion followed by frustration.

I really just wanted to find the necklace and purchase it. However, apparently you need to sign up for an account for $29.99/month. You take a style quiz to determine which pieces of jewelry are recommended for your specific tastes and each month you receive a piece of jewelry in the mail. It seems you can skip any month you aren't in love with something. I have to say I'm not really into the process. As I mentioned, I became frustrated and I closed out of the website. Maybe I'll revisit in the future but for now, I think I can just find something similar in the same price range that I can instantly purchase and enjoy.

Has anyone tried JewelMint? And if so, what are your thoughts, is it worth signing up?

Chipped Polish...On Purpose?

(my messy mani)

(professionally messy mani, via Stylelist)

One person's trash is another person's....trend? Well, that seems to be the case with, of all things, chipped nail polish. I know, I know, it used to be the tiniest of chips required a complete redo. Nowadays it seems chipped polish is, dare I say it, stylish.

To me, this look will never be stylish. I think it looks sloppy and gives the impression you don't care. Maybe that is part of the appeal. But honestly, are people really paying to get chipped manicures? That seems silly. Just look at the pictures of my manicure (which I did myself and lasted a full two weeks before chipping!) chipped from regular wear and tear. It got a little out of control from a particularly large batch of dirty dishes and fervent typing. I took it off immediately after documenting my mussed up nails.

Listen ladies, I'm all for trying out the latest and greatest. And all too often I eagerly shell out my hard-earned money in the name of beauty, but this isn't just isn't for me.

Has anyone gone for a chipped mani? I'm curious what one entails.

Holiday Beauty (and Fashion) Deals

As I mentioned, I try not to venture out to the stores on Black Friday. I've been there and done that. I've waited in lines, I've politely excused myself each time I bumped into a fellow deal-seeker (it gets tiring fast), I've weeded through overturned and unfolded sweaters all in search of a good deal. Some of which were not really deals. So this year, I'll be happily taking advantage of the many online deals. Currently, I'm seated on the comfy couch in front of a roaring fire. Much more pleasant than racing other shoppers for the last cashmere sweater on the shelf.

A few of my favorite blogs have compiled lists of the current and upcoming deals. Check them out! I will be clicking away this weekend and trying to get my massive shopping list under control. Happy deal hunting!

Mama's A Rolling Stone

Beauty Blitz

Refinery29

Karla Sugar

I will definitely add more deals as I come across them. And feel to leave any I've left off in the comments.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!

And good luck to all of you lovelies braving the Black Friday crowds. I've been busy compiling my list of Cyber Monday deals- lots of beauty companies will be participating and ordering from the comfort of home or the office is much more my style.

Have a beautiful holiday weekend.

Keratin Spray to the Rescue

Even though the warmer temperatures have made their exit, frizz is still a major concern of mine. Not to mention that with the dropping digits comes the dreaded static. Both can turn a good hair day into a hair catastrophe.

I am always on the hunt for a frizz-tamer that won't weigh my hair down, can subdue flyaways and protect my tresses from the heat torture I subject them to. If any of these apply to you, Sally Hershberger's Hyper Hydration Super Keratin Spray should be on your shopping list.

You can spritz on either damp or dry hair. I use it right out of the shower. It's a fantastic detangler. The keratin and silk extract help seal split ends (temporarily of course- only trims can fix split ends), and protect hair during heat styling. While I noticed a drastic reduction in frizz and flyaways, it doesn't eliminate them completely. I do really like that it's not heavy at all, even when applied generously.

The warm scent is tad heavy to begin with but fades as hair dries and leaves a nice fragrance lingering throughout the day. The Super Keratin Spray has helped decrease styling time when I decide to blow-dry and helps extend the life of a blowout (who doesn't love that?). For the days when I'm feeling pressed for time and let my hair air-dry, it drastically reduces frizz and helps my natural curls/wave take shape.

For $12 this is a super buy, and I'll definitely be keeping this in my regular rotation. As you can see, I've used a good amount already.

My First Peel: The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

Over the years there have only been a few products and treatments that I've steered clear of. I mean, come on, who doesn't love a free product or a nice treatment? But there were some things I could not bring myself to try.

A makeup artist I worked with had just returned from Japan and brought me back a heated eyelash curler. Sounds cool, right? Wrong. To me it was terrifying. I was and still am deathly afraid I would burn off all my eyelashes. So that lovely gift still sits in its original, Japanese instruction-laden packaging.

Another item on my I-don't-think-it's-a-good-idea list was any at-home peel. And honestly, I was going to pay a hefty sum at the derm's office to get a professional one. But lately these little babies have been talked about all over the place. My skin has been finicky and I want to use something that would help really get to the base of the issue. Enter Olay's Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System.

My mom was in town and on a night off from doing touristy things, I asked if she wanted to do the peel with me. Truthfully, I was a bit nervous to try it. I had never used anything like this. Was it going to burn? Would it be irritating? Would it go horribly awry and I'd look like a swamp monster for days? I can happily report that no, none of those things would happen.

Olay's Regenerist peel boasts the following results: gently resurfaces skin's texture, activates surface cell renewal, conditions skin to leave it feeling soft and smooth, visibly improves skin tone, and diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This two-step system is easy and effective. Step one is applying the derma-crystals to a clean, dry face and massaging them in for about a minute, then step two is applying the activator serum on top in a thick layer. Again you massage for about a minute and during this time the product foams and creates a pleasant warming sensation. It also smells good enough to eat, which my mom noted as well. You can add more serum to increase the foaming action if you'd like. Otherwise, rinse off the mixture with a warm washcloth. The end result was fabulously smooth (baby's bottom smooth) skin and a significant increase in brightness. It packs a serious punch, but this powerhouse product is gentle enough to use twice a week.

I've only had a chance to use it once so far, but I'll be keeping up with this and will report back on my results. PS- I picked mine up at the local Target but you can also get the kit at any drugstore.

Emerald City: Dolce and Gabbana Emerald Eyeliner

Eyeliner is one of the quickest and easiest ways to amp up your regular beauty routine. A simple swipe of black liner makes any look instantly more glamorous, and some white or nude liner makes tired eyes look more awake.

I am an equal opportunity lover of liner. I love them all. And I adore colored eyeliner. I swooned over navy when it was all the rage. I've tried just about every color under the sun: purple, teal, electric blue, and even yellow (which makes a [fake] tan look amazing). And while I do love all colored liners, I have always had a soft spot for greens. Dolce and Gabbana's Emerald Crayon Intense Eyeliner has easily become one of my favorites.

It's an intensely-bright green (despite it looking a bit bluish in the pictures, I assure you it's just my horrible bathroom lighting) speckled with small gold flecks. I was afraid the glitter would look a bit juvenile. I love me some sparkle but on your face it can take a turn for the worse, especially if you're not a teenager. This product has just the right amount of age-appropriate sparkle and catches the light just right. This will definitely be making an appearance in some of my holiday looks this season.

My one complaint is that the gold flecks remained on my face the following day. It still gets an "A" in my book.

Better-Looking Skin with Fresh Wear

Why is it that the things we truly love to do are those that are the first to be neglected when we're short of time, stressed, or just otherwise occupied? It's human nature I suppose. But it seems we are missing the point, don't you think? If that is the case, I often miss said point. I have unintentionally, and sadly, neglected this blog due to a crazy life schedule. And while I realize I do not have a multitude of readers, those who loyally follow have been left without updated content, and my razor-sharp wit (well, maybe not the last bit). So, I apologize.

I truly love the world of beauty. It honestly makes me incredibly happy to share my knowledge and sometimes lack thereof with all of you. It's an adventure testing out something new and to have a platform on which to share my thoughts and hopefully help a fellow lover of products. It is pretty amazing when I take the time to think about it. In effect, I'm hoping this is the proverbial swift kick in the pants I need to update more often and bring a little happiness via beauty products and advice my way and yours, too.

Sappiness aside, companies are churning out the new products left and right. It's hard to keep up sometimes. I got Lancome's Teint Idole Fresh Wear in Ivoire (1C) about a month ago and it's been sitting in my bathroom cabinet ever since. My skin has been experiencing technical difficulties the last couple of months (otherwise read as adult acne). I have been trying everything to clear it up, including- horror of all horrors- not wearing foundation, powder or concealer. This was an attempt to keep my pores clear and in theory stop breakouts before they started. My plan was much better in theory than in actuality. Yet I continued to go without covering up my current blemishes, and a few more made their way to the surface. How does that happen, you ask. To be honest, I just have no clue. No pore clogging makeup should equal beautiful clear skin, no?

So in an act of rebellion and kiss-off to my imperfect skin, I busted out the Teint Idole. It's a matte formula, which is great because my skin is oily. It claims a touch-up free, full 18 hour wear time. Boy does this baby keep on truckin. It goes on very smooth, almost like an incredibly light lotion (the consistency is thin, but not runny) and glides on easily. A few quick swipes with my hands, although I'm sure you could use a foundation brush as well, and my skintone was completely evened out, current blemishes masterfully camoflagued, and oil slicks gone. I haven't really had it on for 18 hours yet, it's been more like 12 and it's holding up quite nicely. Nary a shiny spot in sight, and my unsightly blemishes are still hidden.

This particular formula also boasts an SPF 15 sunscreen. Hooray! I can't tell you how often I forget to put some on in the mornings. I know, I know, I should practice what I preach. But with this little baby I'm covered, literally. It's also oil-free, actually oil-free, because it's non-comedogenic. Yes, dear friends, there are oil-free products out there that don't really mean oil-free. This one speaks the truth. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for good coverage with a light feel, and an extremely lengthy wear.

NARS News

I am not alone in my extreme fondness for NARS. With their stunningly beautiful colors, high quality product, and minimalist black packaging, what's not to love?

NARS new holiday collection is available now. How gorgeous is the Melusine eyeshadow duo (pale silver lilac and bright deep purple)? And for the first time ever, NARS is carrying an eyeshadow trio, Okinawa. I'm also smitten with the purple polish Pokerface (whoa alliteration) and the peachy blush, Sex Appeal. The names alone are enough to fall in love with but the colors and textures are equally euphoric.


Everyone is talking about the Bento Box. It looks like a piece of art. It also carries a pretty hefty price tag ($125) for two lip colors housed in ceramic pots along with a lip brush. While I'm intrigued and would love to see (and play with) this product in person, I will not be shelling out the cash for this one nor will I be scouring Ebay after the two thousand pieces are sold out. That's right, only two thousand were created globally. You can sign up at http://www.narscosmetics.com/bento_box_set.aspx to be notified when they are available.

And finally, come 2011 NARS will have a flagship store! An entire shop filled with NARS goodies, what could be more exciting? Well, how about the fact that the store will carry exclusive items. I can't wait to see what they do with the space.

(images 1&2 via narscosmetics.com, image 3 via Refinery29)

We'll Always Have Paris Pt. 2

Most runway hair styles are near impossible to recreate. However, this season I've seen some incredibly beautiful and (more importantly) wearable styles. Braids are back! Whether you prefer a neat, traditional braid, or sexy and messy I-slept-in-my-braid style, the perfect plait is out there.

Hermes and Valentino went traditional and extremely long. This is an easy and pretty look that anyone can do even if you don't have ridiculously long hair. You can either work with wet hair or you can blowdry it straight and then braid. Either way, minimal effort is required.


To be filed under the not-for-anyone category is the braided, basket weave hair from Alexander McQueen. Seriously, how long did it take to do one model's hair? Yikes. And let's just imagine how long it took to undo the crazy weave. Honestly, I get annoyed when I have to take more than 5 bobby pins that have been fused to my head with hairspray out of my hair; this would be a nightmare. So while it's interesting and certainly in the McQueen vein, it is not meant for regular wear.


Chloe's bun was sleek and understated. While a lot of the chignons from the runway were made fuller by extensions, this one can be done minus the fake hair. The low, tight twist looks elegant and sophisticated. I will definitely be wearing this ballerina-inspired style come spring.


Another pretty updo was from the YSL show. I love the rolled-up twist. However, I would mangle this style and possibly my hair trying to recreate it. Maybe I'll leave this one to the professionals. But if you're a pro at styling your own hair, this is worth a try. This would be gorgeous for a wedding. I, for sure, would have copied this look for my sister's wedding had I seen it back in July.


Dior's updated pin-up theme was apparent. Soft, loose curls and rounded bangs screamed saucy. I'm a huge fan but to make it more wearable and work-appropriate I'll be leaving the bangs behind. But I'm all over those curls. You can't help but release your inner siren with hair like this.


And finally, Lanvin. I have fallen hard for the simple, out of the shower styles from this season. My heart was aflutter from the sexy, semi-sweaty look from Rag and Bone and Lanvin is feeding the beast as well. When it's hot out I find it rather pointless to dry my hair, which in turn makes me sweat, and then I wind up with damp hair again and frizz. Ew. This low slung ponytail is something you can do right out of the shower and it's so incredibly chic. Add a little product to control frizz while hair air drys, and a little shine spray or gel to keep the glossy look of wet hair and you're good to go. Done and done, thank you Paris.

(all images via Style.com)

We'll Always Have Paris

Paris just has that (cliche alert) je ne sais quoi. It's one of the most fashionable cities in the world, and host to a myriad of top name designers. With powerhouse shows like YSL, Dior and Chanel, it is without a doubt an intense week.

Pretty, natural-looking makeup ruled many a runway in Paris. This is exactly how I want to look when I get ready for work in the morning. I want to look fresh, wide-eyed and just a little more done than my natural look. The color palettes were mostly comprised of neutrals.

Balmain went minimalist with smoothed out complexions and not much else. A little highlighter was used on the eyes to brighten them up, but really the epitome of no makeup.

(Balmain)

Stella McCartney was also in neutral territory with a swipe of light, rosy blush, lightly glossed lips and no mascara. Easy, right? Sure is! Who doesn't have a little blush and gloss in their makeup bag? And this is such an easy look for those groggy mornings when it's still dark out and you have to be out the door in 15 minutes.

(Stella McCartney)

Chloe went for a bronzy-neutral. A monochromatic look at its best. No further explanation needed for this one. It's simple and stunning.

(Chloe)

My favorite looks came from Lanvin and Valentino. Both shows adorned models with soft, muted colors and minimal overall amounts of makeup. But the lashes, oh the lashes. False lashes were the standouts here and boy did they stand out (Lanvin used two sets). Your eyes are immediately drawn to lengthy lashes that make the model's eyes as big as saucers. I'm in love.

A few months ago, for the first time, I wore false lashes. They are truly amazing. My eyes instantly popped and suddenly there wasn't much need for a ton of other makeup. They are glamourous and sultry without being overwhelming. It's certainly not something you want to do everyday, but it is something every girl needs to try.

(Lanvin)

(Valentino)

And then there were the shows with color, and lots of it. Spanish company Loewe has been cranking out the beautiful looks via their short films on their website and their print ads, and their runway show was just as gorgeous. Bright green and purple shadows shared the spotlight with crimson-colored pouts.

(Loewe-both images)

Updated, sassy pin-up girl was the inspiration for Dior. Creamy, punched-up shades of pink, green, blue and yellow colored models' lids and a thin line of liquid black liner extending beyond the lash line added to the dramatic effect. The bold colors didn't stop there; the look was finished off with a red lip color with just a hint of orange. The creator of the look, Pat McGrath, put it best, describing it as "Technicolor Bettie Page".

(Dior-both images)

YSL's makeup was more fall than spring in my opinion, but beautiful just the same. Models' brows were bleached and skin kept bare to highlight the berry-colored mouth. I don't recommend going the bleached route, it's a little alien looking off the catwalk. But I do suggest trying a wine-colored lipstick.

(YSL)

Chanel. Chanel creates makeup-induced frenzies on a regular basis. Staggeringly so. Every season they create a nail polish color that is an instant sellout. This season it's the, as of now, not released Black Pearl. I'm anxiously awaiting the status of it's availability, as I'm sure countless others are.

But what really did it for me was the stormy, emerald eye color. Leave it to Chanel to create a perfect, smoky eye. Green shadow is one of my favorites. Green for eyes has always been a winner in general. A forest green eyeliner is a great way to step outside the predictable black liner routine. And a smoky green eye produces the same effect. This is definitely wearable, although I would suggest toning it down a bit for daytime (and not going all the way up to the brow bone). This may even surpass, dare I say it, the navy smoky eye I loved so much from Armani. I think it might.

(Chanel-both images)

And just because I like it, this is the nail from the Alexander McQueen show.

(all images via Style.com)