Eye Candy — Page 68

NYFW Fall 2015 Beauty: CND’s Crazy, Amazing Nails

March 1, 2015 by admin 2 Comments

Images courtesy of CND

While nude seems to be the main manicure trend at New York Fashion Week, we can always count on our friends at Creative Nail Design (CND) for some amazing (and over-the-top) wearable nail art. This season Jan Arnold and the team really out did themselves.

At The Blonds, the story (and nail art) starts out bright and shining and then turns post-apocalyptic with miniature replicas of transformers and generals’ badges. No matter if you’re into the dark or the light side, these nails are worth checking out!

Images courtesy of CND

The nails mimic the show, which designers, David and Phillipe, poetically describe in their program. “The Blonds began in a fairytale and we came to life, but is this life reality? No. It is a SHOW! Zoom Back camera! We are images, dreams, photographs. We must not stay here prisoners!! We shall break the illusion. This is magic! A BLOND REVOLUTION!”

The fairytale–style nails, made of lace and encrusted with Swarovski crystals, are like a “jewel box exploding.” “You can see the angst though, before the bomb goes off,” Arnold excitedly points out.

One of Jan’s favorites from designs from the beginning half of the show is a white leather corset nail. “It’s actually [based off of] a real corset on the runway. We took a white leather corset and kinda ripped it apart and tied it back together again. Then there’s tulle which will wrap around the finger, wrap around the wrist.”

Images courtesy of CND

After the revolution, the nails (like the clothes) take a darker turn. One set has a tiny cyanide pill buried in a clear tip wrapped in black leather; talk about really going above and beyond! Tiny military badges made of liquid and powder dangle from models’ manicures. There’s even a nail series full of shrapnel. Jan jokes about the popularity of the “shrapnel mani.”

Part of what makes CND’s nails so amazing isn’t just the time and effort (around 900 hours from concept to finish to create these 21 nail looks), but the fact that each piece is hand made and given such care. The nails are an intricate part of story The Blonds tell at their runway show and really pull the whole thing together. Beauty is supposed to be fun and CND certainly has a lot of fun with it!

Images courtesy of CND

When we asked Jan Arnold how she felt about this season she explained, “I think it was so fun, this season went a little darker, a little more severe and we love that.”

We love it too, Jan!

—Janine Silver

New York Fashion Week Fall 2015 Undergoes a Studio 54–Style Makeover

February 23, 2015 by admin Leave a Comment

Rebecca Minkoff fall 2015 beauty images courtesy of Stila

The ’70s have been influencing the fall 2015 collections in a big way. Runways were filled with wide leg trousers and retro flare. The influence of the 1970s doesn’t stop at the clothes; it also translates to beauty.

Rebecca Minkoff‘s “Wide Eye Wanderlust” look created by Sarah Lucero for Stila gave us a little of that tough girl vibe. Inspired by that ‘70s downtown, East Village mixed with rock n’ roll—think of CBGBs in its heyday—; Rebecca Minkoff’s makeup look was a grungy version to that 70’s vibe. To get those Bohemian-inspired eyes, Lucero mixed different textures of eyeliners. She used a matte black rubbed in to give the appearance of a graphite black and then an inky black blotted separately between each lash “like a calligraphy ink splat, to mess it up but in a cool way.” Lucero recommends keeping the liner on the bottom for a wider eye effect and then lots of mascara on the top and bottom, “the clumpier the better.” She used Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in “Stingray” and Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eye Liner in “Black” for that smudgy effect, and then piled on Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara. Lucero gushes that it’s an easy look to recreate by just combining the different type of eyeliners.

Rebecca Minkoff fall 2015 beauty images courtesy of Stila

Minkoff is very music inspired, so the look for her couldn’t be too pretty, but rather “confident and cool” for the rocker who really did just wake up like this. So to keep it from looking too perfect, if your liner wings out, square it off with a Q-tip for more of a blunt end. Another tip Lucero shared was using a flesh tone liner on the inside of the eye to remove any redness and again, help widen the look of the eyes.

Pamella Roland fall 2015 beauty images courtesy of Wanda Ramos for Clip, Crop & Create

Pamella Roland also referenced in the 1970s in her fall 2015 collection. She shared that she was inspired by “… the world of fashion in the 1970’s Paris as described in the book, “The Beautiful Fall.” “It was a glamorous world of designers, models, photographers and their creative conspirators that have become enduring style icons,” explains Roland. Wanting to stray from the classic Farrah Fawcett ‘do, Roland turned to Ted Gibson for a retro take on his classic Gibson Girl Blow Out. The look features a bit of height in the back and tousled messy waves, which really helped Roland’s fall 2015 collection, come to life. To get the look, Gibson parted the hair down the middle, spraying it with volumizing spray for body and texture. The hair was then blown dry with a dual bristle round brush and backcombed at the crown for a subtle lift. To achieve the waves, Gibson used a one and a half inch curling iron and wrapped sections around the base of the iron, leaving out the ends. He then brushed the hair with his fingers to loosen up the curls.

Images of Christian Siriano fall 2015 using MAC Cosmetics courtesy of Sebastian Professional

Incorporating the ’70s in to a jungle theme, Christian Siriano filled his runway with colorful printed gowns in eye-catching silhouettes. MAC Cosmetics’ Polly Osmond describes the aesthetic at Siriano as, “Tropical and animal prints with an earth-tones ’70s vibe.” Osmond made the skin warm and dewy before adding a “ready brow with a slight sheen to it.” Next, two of MAC’s Trend Forecast Fall ’15 Colors, “Grand Canyon,” and “Penny Arcade“ are mixed together and applied over the eyelid for color and texture. For a pop of color, Osmond applies a very bright yellow, “Chrome,” to the inner corner of the eyes. Upon seeing the look, “Christian exclaims, ‘oh she looks like a bird,’ but it’s not bird. It has a slightly kinda ’70s feel to it,’” Osmond explains.

So leave the polyester at home and prepare to step back in time and boogie the night away with these fresh new ’70s styles!

—Janine Silver

Wednesday Sample Sale: Week of December 8, 2014

December 10, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Fashion Reverie seeks to keep its loyal readers informed of great samples sales. Just remember, product disappears quickly, so it is important to get there early. Also, some sample sales won’t let you try on garments, so know your size. Happy Shopping!!

Image courtesy of Jose Duran

BRAND: Jose Duran Sample Sale

WHEN: 12/11–12/12; Thursday (12 noon–6), Friday (12 noon–8)

Cocktail hour: Friday (6–8)

WHY: Up to 50% off all fall samples

WHERE: 231 West 29th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues, Suite 80

Image courtesy of moddeals.com

BRAND: Chelsea Flower/Love Sam Sample Sale

WHEN: 12/11–12/19; daily (10am–6:30pm)

WHY: 60%–80% off retail prices on women’s clothing

WHERE: Dawn Mayo Showroom, 231 West 39th Street, Suite 806

Image courtesy of fashiongonerogue.com

BRAND: Thomas Wylde Sample Sale

WHEN: 12/15; Monday (4pm–8pm)

WHY: 50%–70% off women’s clothing

WHERE: 828 Fifth Avenue, 6th Floor, entrance on 64th Street

—Staff

Editor’s Pick: littleBits Electronics’ Smart Home Kit

December 10, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

“The Jetson” images courtesy of smithsonianmag.com

We have all heard of smart phones and smart TVs. But a smart home was not especially on my radar.

Remember—if you are old enough—George Jetson of the popular 60’s cartoon “The Jetsons” was able to control all the appliances and utilities in his home from one device. Well, that time has arrived!! And Radio Shack—with the launch of littleBits Electronics’ Smart Home Kit—is in the forefront of the Smart Home movement, and taking it even further!!

Image courtesy of gigaom.com

“Our mission is to put the power of electronics in the hands of everyone, and to break down complex technologies so that anyone can build, prototype, and invent. Democratizing the smart home industry is one more step in delivering on that promise,” said Ayah Bdeir, founder and CEO of littleBits. “The Smart Home Kit is giving people the power and opportunity to take the Internet of Things movement into their own hands, and bring their home to the 21st century, on their own terms. Now you can recreate a popular smart device, retrofit an old appliance, or invent something entirely new that may be the next big thing.

As of 2013, there were 5.1 million connected homes in the US with predictions of an increase to 31 million homes in two years, translating to 71 billion dollars by 2018. Fashion Reverie is all about keeping its readers informed on all relevant trends that are not only chic and fashionable but also facilitate comfort and synthesize areas of our lives.

Image courtesy of thecentsiblelife.com

Instead of trading in your old appliances for newer, more expensive Smart Home–equipped appliances, allow littleBits Electronics’ Smart Home Kit help you transform your old favorites into 21st Century, Smart Home appliances. The Smart Home Kit allows people to build solutions that are completely new and unique such as retrofitted curtains to open at sunrise, remote feeders that respond to quirky pets, and a toilet paper roll that keeps you stocked. The possibilities are infinite.

The Smart Home Kit comes with 14 Bits, including the instrumental cloudBit, and five brand new Bits: MP3 player, Threshold, Number, Temperature Sensor, and IR transmitter. Also included is an infographic poster with 14 projects ideas and 11 accessories including the brand new AC switch, which connects the littleBits 5V system to AC power (110V). It’s available online for $249 at littleBits.cc/kits/smarthomekit .

Image courtesy of domainusa.com

This month, the Smart Home Kit will be available in select Radio Shack locations. And this Saturday, there will be a special littleBits event sponsored by Radio Shack. Now, does George Jetson get a check for thinking this out 40 years ago? Hmm, he should!!

—William S. Gooch

*Image in slideshow courtesy of wynnewoodvillage.com

Editor’s Picks: Luxe Stocking Stuffers

December 9, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of quizzle.com

We’ve all heard the saying that some of the best things come in small packages. Yet, what we all know to be true; is that if a gift is small, it better be expensive or at least look like it. As one of our favorite holidays quickly approaches, many gift givers are scanning for that certain special something. One must have the right intention in selecting that perfect gift. It must look really expensive, but not break the bank. We catalogued 10 unique stocking stuffers, for both men and women, that although may look and feel like a million dollars will do less damage on your bank account. Enjoy the holidays and remember small gifts can offer the best surprises!

Women:

1) Carrying the Classics!

Vintage Gucci Coin Purse: $329

www.gilt.com

2) Strong yet Delicate!

Mawi Gold and Crystal Spiked Bracelet: $129

www.gilt.com

3) Fabulously Femme!

Tweezerman Embellished Crystal Tweezer & Stand: $99

www.gilt.com

4) Enhance Your Lashes!

GrandeLASH Outrageous Designer Gift Box

includes one GrandeLASH MD & one GrandeMascara: $84.95

www.grandelashmd.com

5) Revitalize with an Organic, Holistic Beauty Treatment!

Shiffa Basil Mint and Black Pepper Body Wash: $47

www.shiffa.com

6) Temporary Tats are like Chic Jewelry!

Lulu DK Gold La Femme temporary tattoos: $22

www.luludklifestyle.com

Men:

Another Watch says I Love You!

1) Michael Bastian Chronowing Watch (comes with 3 straps): $349

www.gilt.com

2) Be the Better Beau!

Horace Hugh Sterling Silver Monogrammed clasp w/ 2 bow tails (either 100% silk or Liberty of London silk/cotton) (includes the cost of monogramming): $165

www.horacehugh.com

3) Man Jewelry Never Looked So Good!

Miansai Trice Braided Leather Bracelet: $95

www.gilt.com

4) Smell like an Arabian Knight!

Shiffa Sandalwood Arabian Soap: $21

www.shiffa.com

—Kelly L. Mills

Fashion Reverie’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday’s Picks

November 27, 2014 by admin 1 Comment

Image courtesy of examiner.com

Talk about riots!! The riots in Ferguson have nothing on the almost riots, long lines, and shopper’s rush of the Friday after Thanksgiving. Black Friday, or the day when retailers hopefully go into the black—instead of staying in the red financially—is a merchandisers’ sale bonanza of great deals and incredible savings for shoppers.

Instead of allowing your eyes to be attracted by deals that in afterthought may not be such great deals, Fashion Reverie has compiled a list of incredible fashion saving opportunities from some of our favorite brands. So, don’t be persuaded by the false advertising, let Fashion Reverie lead the way!!

Nicholas K fall 2014 images courtesy of Ken Jones/fashionreverie.com

1) Fashion Reverie loves Nicholas K. As the first show of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Fashion Reverie staff is always in attendance. And who didn’t love the Nicholas K looks in the movie blockbuster “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.”

For this Black Friday only Nicholas K is offering 25%–50% off all items sitewide. 50% sales are final.

Rogue by Rihanna perfume image by fanopo.com

Rogue by Rihanna perfume image by fanpop.com

2) Rihanna, Rihanna everywhere, and this Black Friday is no exception. Starting Friday, November 28, the Rogue by Rihanna bracelet set comes with 4 fashion bracelets, with spikes, stingray and flare and a 2.5oz fragrance all for $49. Perfect for any Rihanna fan, or style admirer, this fun set comes with everything you need to give a great gift this holiday season. This special offer is available at Macy’s, Dillards, and Belk.

3) OK, readers we hope you have been following Fashion Reverie’s editorials. If you have, you would have noticed that we have used shoes from Carolinna Espinosa in our “Scences D’atelier” editorial and our most recent “The Bold Season” editorial. This Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Carolinna Espinosa from every $200 spent site wise, you get $50 off.

Carolinna Espinosa image courtesy of L.E.R. Public Relations

The memory foam cushioning in each pair of shoes from Carolinna Espinosa make them perfect for the woman not looking to sacrifice style for comfort. Trendy, yet classic, Carolinna Espinosa offers styles that will take her from desk to post -work holiday cocktails with ease. Possessing elegance and a certain comfort that any girl will appreciate, Carolinna Espinosa makes for the ultimately practical, yet luxurious gift.

4) What is Black Friday/Cyber Monday without some fabulous jewelry? Well, Fashion Reverie has you covered, literally.

Zoetik image courtesy of zoetik.com

From November 24 through December 1, create an account with ZOETIK to get 50% off your next order. Plus free shipping and gift with purchase over $50. Seeking to bring well-crafted jewelry that never sacrifices quality for price, Zoetik products are devoid of nickel, cadmium and lead to provide a comfortable, long lasting and hypoallergenic piece. Plated with top quality metals of gold, zhodium and silver, Zoetik offers an extensive array of rings, earrings, bracelates and necklaces. From statement pieces to more subtle styles, these trinkets will make the perfect gift without breaking the bank.

Image courtesy of fashioncraz.com

5) Now, you ladies all love Michael Kors. We know you do by all the Michael Kors bags the ladies are flaunting on the subway, on the street, and honestly, everywhere.

This Black Friday, get 60% off on Michael Kors bags site-wide at bags-shopping.com. Now rock those bags for the Holidays!!

Boktier New York image courtesy of design scene.net

Boktier New York image courtesy of Think PR

6) And if you already have a Michael Kors bag and you are looking for an alternative, Botkier New York to the rescue!! From Black Friday through Sunday receive 25% off any purchase with code GIVEBOTKIER. Enjoy price markdowns of at least 30% site-wide on Cyber Monday—no code required!

7) Now guys, Fashion Reverie is not going to leave you out!! We know dudes love shoes just as much as the ladies.

Number 288 image courtesy of L.E.R. Public Relations

If you’re a sneaker addict, then look no further than new luxury men’s footwear brand Number 288, which debuted for fall 2014 with an incredible range of contemporary sneakers, paying respect to traditional methods of footwear construction with an infusion of original ideas in craftsmanship. All crafted with the finest Italian leathers and suedes in Portugal, these luxury kicks are the perfect balance between casual and dress, making them the perfect gift he can enjoy on just about every occasion. And for Black Friday/Cyber Monday these sneaks are available from $390.

8) And no men’s inclusion is complete without some grooming products. Look no further, gets the job done!!

The Motley Image courtesy of Think PR

Motley, the brilliant model behind men’s grooming is offering 15% off items under $75, 20% off items under $150 and 25% off any items of $150 or more. Enter codes THANKS15, THANKS20 or THANKS25 appropriately.

9) For a limited time only, purchase some of your favorite Susan Posnick items for a discounted price. Susan Posnick Cosmetics is offering an exclusive Five Days of Fabulous Deals! Sign-up to get the promotion codes everyday from Thursday, November 27 until Monday, December 1 though http://eepurl.com/5baBv or on Facebook at http://bit.ly/spcemail.

Susan Posnick Cosmetics courtesy of Bratskeir & Company

Susan Posnick Cosmetics is offering a FREE Mascara ($24.00) with any purchase. COLORCOATED Mascara is the newest addition to Susan Posnick Cosmetics! Not only does it enhance and lengthen your lashes, but it is gluten, paraben and cruelty-free.

V Files fall 2014 Images courtesy of fashionrevererie.com

10) And last but not least, another Fashion Reverie favorite, V Files, is offering 75% some of their most fashion-forward brands. We are talking Moschino, KTZ, Hood by Air, Jeremy Scott, Telfar, Sam MC, and more. So, fashionistas and fashionistos stand up and take notice!!

—William S. Gooch

Holiday Beauty Gifts for the Ladies on your List

November 27, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Holiday Beauty image courtesy of chanel.com

Holiday gifts can be a little nerve wrecking and leave you with more questions than answers. Will my friends and family like the gift or more importantly, will it fit? That said; Fashion Reverie found the most festive, luxurious, and fun beauty gifts that are sure to please everyone from your self-proclaimed beauty-junky sister to that tween first experimenting with makeup. So, quell all your doubts; Fashion Reverie has found everything she’s hoping for this holiday season (and a few things she didn’t even know she wanted), one size fits all!

Image courtesy of Ulta

For the makeup aficionado

Sparkle & Shine by Ulta is the ultimate makeup kit. This 70-piece collection features 2 double-sided eyeliner pencils (that’s 4 different colors total!), 4 different brushes, 2 tubes of lipsticks, 2 highlighters, 1 lip primer, 1 brow wax, 3 concealers, 2 pure eye shadow pigments, 2 glitter eye top coats, 2 eyeshadow primers, 3 blushes, 6 pans of lipstick, 6 gel eyeliners, 1 powder, 3 brow powders, and 2 bronzers, all in an adorable red case. While there are many makeup sets with dozens of colors on the market, this has to be one of the most complete ones we’ve seen—brow wax? concealer? lip primer? That’s not in your run of the mill set. The only thing it’s really missing is mascara! Unlike other collections, this one features colors any girl would love such as “Galaxy” a glittery black, “Sapphire” a gorgeous jewel-toned dark blue, “Twilight” a shimmering silvery purple, “Social Climber” a purplish copper and “Sage” a shimmery green. It’s also great for a trip, rather than going through your makeup to find all your essentials and hoping you didn’t forget anything, just snap the two clasps, grab the handle and you’re on your way.

Image courtesy of bareMinerals

To really master the art of makeup, just like a painter, you need a really good brush. Buffing Beauties by bareMinerals is a great gift for the makeup artist inside all of us. With 5 brushes to “contour, buff, and blend” she can really up her beauty game. This set includes a Heavenly Face Brush, Heavenly Blush Brush, Full Tapered Shadow Brush, Heavenly Eyeshadow Buffing Brush and a Heavenly Liner Blending Brush, all in an attractive red patent leather case.

Image courtesy of bareMinerals

For the life of the party

bareMinerals’ I Love the Nightlife is an eyeliner set sure to please. With five no smudge shades in party ready colors such as “Certainly Sterling,”, “Steadfast Slate,” “Constant Copper,” “True Blue,” and “Absolute Black,” these pencils will help make her eyes pop and stay in place so she can dance all night long.

Image courtesy of Chi Air

For voluminous party curls or a slick straight style, Chi Air Expert in “Gold Jubilee” is the perfect gift. Pick up this cute gold polka-dotted straightener and gold curling iron set at Target and get ready to wow. Not only is the design fun and feminine, but also the straightener is great for wavy hair. Its lightweight design makes it great to take with you on a weekend getaway or a long trip. The temperature dial allows you to use the least amount of heat necessary for your hair type while its curved floating plates heat up quickly.

Image courtesy of bareMinerals

For the girl who has everything

While it’s tempting to search out something random such as a diamond-encrusted safety pin—we won’t mention which celebrity added that to her must have Christmas wish list—it’s usually the basics that are really appreciated. The collector’s edition deluxe size foundation by bareMinerals features a black and white diamond pattern on a gold lid. This super-sized foundation in their original broad spectrum SPF 15 formula will leave her absolutely radiant. No matter how many lipsticks and eye shadow palettes she owns, flawless skin is always in style!

Image courtesy of my-lifestyle-news.com

Perfume is another classic gift and for a good reason. A beautiful scent can instantly brighten your mood … not to mention leave a lasting impression. Anna Sui’s “La Vie De Bohéme” holiday gift set features a perfume, body lotion and shower gel in a fruity floral scent. With top notes of Turkish rose, sparkling pear and rich berries perfectly balanced against black vanilla, sandalwood, and sheer musks, this scent captures Anna Sui’s vibrant, bohemian style with a uniquely modern feminine flare. As with all of Sui’s beauty line, the gold butterfly topped perfume bottle not only perfectly mirrors the delicate, enchanting fragrance inside, but also is too beautiful not to display.

Image courtesy of Buxom

For the beauty novice

When you’re first trying your hand with perfecting makeup, it may be a little tricky to figure out what colors work best for your skin tone. That is why we love Buxom’s “Winner Takes All.” This 6-piece lip set features sheer shimmering lip polishes and sleek lip creams. With different styles and colors ranging from juicy peach to a sheer pink, she’s sure to find a color… or six that are perfect for her.

Image courtesy of Ulta

Ulta’s Perfect Ten mini eye crayon set couldn’t be better (or easier) for those of us who aren’t eyeliner experts. No need to stress over forming a straight line with a tiny little pencil, just swipe a little across your eyelid and you’re party ready. The sparkly colors are sure to make your eyes pop in shades such as slate, rose, emerald, cobalt, gold, and plum. Not to mention our favorite, an antique gold/brown with almost an olive undertone.

Image courtesy of Pacifica

For the jet setter

Pacifica’s Enchanted Roll-On Trio in Dream a Little Dream features three exotic scents, “Tuscan Blood Orange”, “Indian Coconut Nectar” and “Tahitian Gardenia.” These deliciously striking scents can be worn alone or combined and the small roll-on bottles are prefect to tuck into your pocket or purse when you’re on the run.

Image courtesy of MAC

Add a little glitz to her journey with MAC Keepsakes Silver Lip + Eye Bag. This glamorous holiday collection consists of “Rarified” an eye shadow quad consisting of 4 shimmering gold tons, perfect for a night out or just to add a little bit of shimmer to her look, Mineralize Rich Lipstick in “Posh Tone” a creamy peachy pink shade, and Mineralize Glass in “Modest” a light demure natural pink, all packaged together in glittering silver clutch adorned with a cameo-embossed charm.

—Janine Silver

*YSL 2014 Holiday slideshow image courtesy of chicprofile.com

Wednesday Sample Sales: Week of November 27

November 26, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Fashion Reverie seeks to keep its loyal readers informed of great samples sales. Just remember, product disappears quickly, so it is important to get there early. Also, some sample sales won’t let you try on garments, so know your size. Happy Shopping!!

BRAND: Prive Multi-Designer Sample Sale

WHEN: 11/25 –11/26; Tuesday (noon–7pm), Wednesday (10:30–6pm), Closed Thanksgiving, 11/28–11/30; Fri.–Sat. (10:30–7pm), Sunday (10:30–5pm)

WHY: Up to 70% off men’s and women’s clothing

WHERE: Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Avenue bet. 15th & 16th Street

Image courtesy of Cosabella

BRAND: Cosabella Holiday Sample Sale

WHEN: 11/30–12/2; Sunday (11–6), Monday–Tueday (11–7)

WHY: Up to 70% off lingerie, ready-to-wear, and swimwear with items range from $13 to $80

WHERE: Cosabella NY Flagship Store and Showroom

220 Lafayette Street, bet. Spring and Kenmare

Image courtesy of Cynthia Gale

BRAND: Cynthia Gale Private Holiday Sample Sale

WHEN: 12/1–12/12; Monday–Friday (10am–6pm)

WHY: Savings at up to 75% off retail prices on select merchandise at the Cynthia Gale Private Holiday Sample Sale

WHERE: 8 East 36th Street, 3rd Floor

BRAND: Cullen Sample Sale

WHEN: 12/1– 12/5; Monday–Friday (10am-6pm)

WHY: Women’s and Men’s cashmere and luxury knits at a discounted price at the Cullen Sample and Stock Sale

WHERE: 231 West 39th Street, Suite 1016

—Staff

Beauty Tip: Blow It Out

November 21, 2014 by admin Leave a Comment

Image courtesy of makeupandbeauty.com

From a young age, ladies have applied a lot of heat to their hair to get that seasons’ most coveted ‘do. From crimping to curling to straightening, we’ve tried it all. However, to get really beautiful hair, there’s one tool we’ve always used, and I’m sad to report … we’ve been using it wrong!

No matter if you want to play up your curls, or smooth out a wave, the only tool you really need is your blow dryer! Organic hair specialist, Amanda Braydich explains how to really blow dry your hair and why “the cool button is not only an essential tool, but it is also the most understated forgotten tool in hair.”

Amanda Braydich image courtesy of thesalonsat.com

To really embrace your hair you need to learn some blowdrying techniques and know which products to use, explains Braydich. “I talk to each person and I’ve come up with a product cocktail to either amp up the volume or smooth it down. If a client is looking for smooth hair, it’s all about proper blowdrying. A lot of people will pick up a dryer and just wave it around meaninglessly.”

Image courtesy of data.whicdn.com

Braydich shares how this is a missed opportunity to get the style you’re really after. Blowdrying is really the time when you’re “instilling a foundation of control [over your hair].” For example, if you want your hair to be really smooth with an angle toward your face, you want the dryer held above your head because you want the cuticle down and pull your hair towards your face.

But the biggest problem is after your hair is dry. “Once you dry your hair, everyone makes that fatal mistake of thinking they are done. Your hair is like steel you need to heat it up to mold it then cool it down to set it to make it last,” Braydich explains while stressing the importance of going over your hair once again with your dryer set to cool. “I have older women who walk into my salon and think the cold button is only there for their hot flashes,” she shares.

Image courtesy of http://fabulouslydisheveled.files.wordpress.com

What if you’re ready to ditch the flat iron in favor of your natural waves or curls? Braydich recommends using a defuser, which will help you avoid frizz. “With curls, to build the maximum amount of volume start at the root and get the air going up. You want to get the root area dry to promote that volume. It will create a lot of solid structure when starting at the root. Then move out towards your longer lengths next,” she explains. “If you dry the lengths first and don’t get the root first it really weighs down the hair,” Braydich warns. “When the hair is half way dry, I add in the mousse, then go back to the roots and then the ends and heat it up at full blast.”

However, just because you’re wearing your hair curly doesn’t mean you should skip pushing the cool button. ” Going over everything again in the cool setting is what’s going to give you all gorgeous volume.” According to Braydich that cool button is essential for lasting hair, which in today’s busy world, a hairstyle that can last all day is a beautiful thing!

—Janine Silver