NYFW FALL 2012: Backstage Beauty with Timo Weiland

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of exploring the majic that happened behind the Timo Weiland Men’s and Women’s Fall 2012 Show. Launching only a few short years ago including a collection of iconic neckwear, the brand has grown to also include signature clothing, knitwear, and accessories. The designs showcased in the Fall 2012 show were inspired by the classic flavor of St. Marks Place in New York City’s East Village. This was a time when the downtown area was truly “the spot” for up and coming artists, rock and hip hop musicians. Designers, Timo Weiland and Alan Eckstein, aimed at mimicking this interesting decade of style and revolutionizing it into wearable modern-day design.

Complimenting the ambiance of the show, L’Oreal Professionnel Master Session Artist, Joseph DiMaggio, led a team of stylist to create hair that was “expertly textured and effortlessly lived-in.” Each model sported a care-free low pony secured by a thin black cord. One of the STAR new products, L’Oreal Professionnel Fresh Dust ($19, 3.4 oz-out this coming April!) was sprayed all over and under to create volume and a controlled messy texture. Overall, the hair for the show definitely gave off a downtown eclectic vibe.

Led by Celebrity Manicurist, Gina Edwards, the nail looks were created using Impress Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails ($6-$8, CVS). These nails are pretty ideal considering everything needs to be done fast back stage. The line of nails includes 18 cool colors and patterns. There’s no messy glue to worry about, and you are done applying in the blink of an eye. Most of the colors used during the show were darker plums and purples which you can’t go wrong with for fall.

Last but certainly not least, I had a chance to chat briefly with Sephora’s Lead Makeup Artist, Jose Rivera, about the makeup looks created for the Timo Weiland show. Here’s what he had to say….

NYFW 2012 GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to 2 Snaps and a Twist, and enter for a chance to win Impress Press-On Manicure Nails to try! #LOVEMYFOLLOWERS

Hope you enjoyed my Timo Weiland Back Stage Beauty Wrap Up!

(Timo Weiland Runway photo credit: Jesse Fiorino)

Sexy Valentine’s Day Makeup Tips from the Pro!

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Some believe today’s holiday is a bit over rated, and others are indulging in the moment of love.  Either way, there is nothing wrong with being a little festive, and playing up your look for the occasion.

Not only sexy for Valentine’s Day, but also delectable for any hot date or night out is the classic smokey eye and bold red lip.  It’s just a winning combo that never gets old.

The leading man behind Skinn Cosmetics, Dimitri James, offers a few tips to help you create this look.

It’s in the Eyes: First apply a smokey gray all over your lid, wrapping down and around your lower lash line. Then apply a darker smokey shade of gray or charcoal through the crease. Follow that up with an ivory shadow under the brow bone. 
 
NOW THE WOW: Line your entire lash line and inner tear line with Cleopatra Black Smudge Stick and ooh la la!  For the sexy cat-eye look, apply individual fake lashes to outer corner adding a healthy coat of mascara.
 
Kissable Irresistible Lips: Find the perfect shade of red to suit your coloring and don’t hold back. Go all out on the red lipstick. This year we are seeing heavier eyes accompanied by luscious lips, so don’t be shy!
 
Seductive Scent: Oh, and don’t forget to layer on some LOVE. That is the LOVE fragrance. Start with LOVE bath and shower gel then immerse yourself in LOVE body butter. Finish with LOVE roll on perfume all over your body’s pulse points. But watch out, this fragrance should come with a warning label!

photo credit: luuux.com

LACQUER ALERT PART II: China Glaze-”Colours from the Capitol”

(photo credit: teenvogue.tumblr.com)

All set to launch next month, China Glaze  is coming out with a new collection inspired by different themes shown through out one of the most highly anticipated flicks for 2012; The Hunger Games.  Featuring 12 new polishes, it’s apparent that each shade was tactfully chosen and made so that there’s a little something for everyone.  Everything from a sheer pink, to olive-green, neon red, and shimmery black are included in this line.  The colors are amazing, and not to mention, won’t break the bank (only $6 each @ SallyBeauty.com)!  Everybody’s buzzing, and I’m also a firm believer that the polishes will be as big of a hit as the movie

The Hunger Games Movie Trailer

LACQUER ALERT PT I: Beyonce’s Got the Blues!

(photo credit: blackamericaweb.com)

Blissfully signifying the presence of her new baby girl Blue Ivy, Beyonce was spotted out twice this week rocking an electric blue polish.  Post-baby, her sizzling looks still put many to shame who are “pre-baby!”  HA!  Anyways, these past 2 nights she has been rocking an electric blue polish that is  without a doubt an eye catcher.  The actual shade she’s wearing has been identified by Manicurist,Lisa Logan, as Baker Street by Nails Inc.  It’s a hot color for spring/summer, but unfortunately not available for purchase yet. 

Here are 4 A+ Polishes To Try in the Meantime:

  JEGGINGS BY GINGER + LIZ

 

 

 

 

  

BLAGGER BY BUTTER LONDON

 

 

 

 

 

THINKING OF BLUE BY SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE SALON MANICURE

 

 

 

 

 

ELECTRIC BLUE BY DIOR

 

 

 

 

 

2 SNAPS: Valentine’s Day Treats for You Love Bugs!

It’s officially the month to be extra gushy with your loved ones!  Whether you prep for a sexy date with your babe, or you’re getting dolled up for a night out on the town with the ladies (or fellas), there are always ways to spice up the holiday.  Here are 2 yummy treats that are surefire ways to give cupid a run for his money!

Owner of Rocq Catering, Parisian Chef Eddy Rocq, is screaming the word love in his new Sweetheart Macaron Collection.  These almond heart-shaped treats are so tasty and more than appropriate for Valentine’s Day.  In a pearl white box of 24, the macaron’s are gluten-free and made fresh daily. Can you say Delishhh?! Yes honey.  {$48, www.rocqmacarons.com}

If you are looking for nice little cocktail to cuddle up with, here’s a fun recipe from Food Network Personality and Cookbook Author, Donatella Arpaia.

MARTINI Asti Red Blush
4 ounces MARTINI Asti (chilled)
½ ounce strawberry puree
½ ounce rose syrup
Pour puree and rose syrup into a flute glass and stir well.
Top with MARTINI Asti and garnish with a lemon wheel.

 

Courtesy Photos

Intensify Your Eyes: Custom Color Combos from Mary Kay!

I’ve come across a lot of DIY makeup kits on the market, but Mary Kay’s Mineral Eye Color Bundles really help reveal the inner makeup artist in you!

Specifically designed to accent your eye color, these customized color combos are richly pigmented and compliment brown, hazel, blue, or green eyes. Each kit contains shades that were carefully selected by professional makeup artists to give you the luxury of applying your own makeup with confidence.

Additionally, these eye colors are enriched with Vitamins A, C, and E which are amazing for helping against some of the causes of wrinkles. In this well-organized kit you get eye applicators and application tips for small/medium to large eyelids. All the special details you need to create intense eyes is included–minus any guessing games!

2 SNAPS for a DIY kit that really goes the extra mile to help you DO-IT-YOURSELF!

photo credit: marykay.com

COLOR MATCHED: Is There a Foundation Shade for You?

A topic that isn’t obsolete, but often swept under the rug!  Women of color, sometimes run into trouble trying to find the perfect foundation shade.  This really perplexes me, and raises the question of whether or not some beauty brands are “doing their homework,” before releasing new products? 

Nevertheless, there are a few brands out there that have collected “the right research,” and have produced  foundations shades that work FOR ALL WOMEN!  The brands listed below, got it right!

 black|Up cosmetics

photo credits: ladygaga.wikia.com, evecare.com, giorgioarmanibeauty.com, urbanbeauty.com, kortomomolu.com, lintonbeauty.com, activerain.com, progressivegeek.com, sheisnyc.com, waiyee.blogspot.com, blackupcosmetics.com

Take a Seat in Style…

We all make it our duty to beautify and groom, but sometimes there’s not enough time in a day to book an appointment.  Or, you may find yourself being a little skeptical about trying a new salon.  Let’s not even mention the fact that it can be so difficult to find a professional who specializes in a service you would like to have done.  Founder and CEO of StyleSeat, Melody McCloskey, took all of these concerns into consideration and created a genius website that solves all of these issues.

Death to the yellow pages, and move over Yelp!  StyleSeat is an online haven for finding the best of the best beauty and wellness professionals in your area.  Through this interactive site, you can search for local  pros, view images of their work online, and even check out reviews from other clients.  To top it off, you can also view schedules and book your appointment online.  It’s quick and easy, and I’m surprised nobody thought of this a long time ago.

On the flip side, StyleSeat is a wonderful tool for stylists.  For professionals trying to maximize their businesses, it’s like having a personal assistant, publicist, and marketing rep all in one.  Stylists can easily keep track of their schedules for the week, and send out promotions and deals to their clients.   There is even a function that allows you to keep track of how well your business is doing on a weekly basis.  Annnnd not to mention, you have the opportunity to connect with other professionals in the industry.

How much does it cost to sign up?  It’s 100% FREE for professionals and consumers.  So, what are you waiting for? Go check out StyleSeat like… now. 

6 sexy snaps for StyleSeat!

Fragrance Giveaway: Rebelle by Rihanna

(photo credit: m.zimbio.com)

Sexy, sassy, and sweet are the three words that come to mind when spritzing Rebelle by Rihanna.  In collaboration with Parlux Fragrances, Inc., Rihanna’s second fragrance is set to be a big hit this spring.  Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Rebelle is an exotic mix of succulent strawberries, vanilla orchid, and amber.

“My new fragrance is about taking control but still being a lady.  There’s a feminine, romantic element to the fragrance-but there’s also a defiant quality in it.  I love its duality.”–Rihanna

GIVEAWAY: Subscribe to 2 Snaps and a Twist, and enter for a chance to win Rebelle by Rihanna. {$59 Value!)