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)

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

 

 

 

 

 

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

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!)

BUST ASH: Defeat Skin Winter Wars!

(photo credit: madamenoire.com)

NYC’s metro areas have been fortunate enough to experience warmer temperatures for this time of year.  However, there have been a few really cold days, and with cooler temperatures on the horizon you need to pay extra attention to your skin.  The #1 winter skin problem that many of us complain about is dryness.  With this issue in mind, here are a few of the best products to keep your skin healthy and moisturized during the winter…

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

 

 

 

Dove VisibleCare Renewing Creme Body Wash {$7.49, walgreens.com}   This ultra creamy wash gives new life to your skin as it cleanses and moisturizes.  After bathing, your skin feels seductively soft, and there’s less of a need to pack on any heavy  lotions. 

 

 

 

Carol’s Daughter Love Butter {18, carolsdaugther.com} This skin saviour busts’ ash like no other!  Especially if you have really dry skin in the winter, the rich blend of shea butter, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil will have your body feeling as smooth as a baby’s bottom.

 

 

 

 

Rosebud Salve {$7, Sephora.com} Usually termed as a “cult favorite,” Rosebud Salve is that classic all-purpose balm that you should have in your purse at all times.  Mostly used for conditioning lips, Rosebud is also beneficial for elbows, knees, and after care on minor cuts.

 

 

 

 

Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer {12.47, drugstore.com} With SPF 30, Aveeno’s new Smart Essentials moisturizer allows you to protect your skin from sun damage.  The sun actually beams a little more in the winter, and the UVA/UVB protection is just enough to safeguard your pride and joy.

 

 

 

  L’Occitane Shea Butter Mini Hand Cream {$10, usa.loccitane.com} I have been around the hand cream block and back, but I have NEVER come across a hand cream as moisturizing as L’Occitane’s Shea Butter.  Kind of surreal. No lie!

Splurge Worthy:Tom Ford Violet Blonde

 

The holidays have many of our bank tanks on E, and shopping may be the last thing on anyone’s mind.  However, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and choosing the perfect  fragrance for your honey is key (ahem, fellas!).  With that being said, I want to tell you a bit about my experience with Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde.  I received the fragrance around the time of its launch, and sort of overlooked it.  While doing a little New Years cleaning, I gave it a sniff!  Once I dabbed a little on my neck and forearm I was totally engaged!  This alluring scent took over, and brought me to the secret garden of seduction. 

Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde is sophisticated yet sexy.  It’s the word “elegant” captured in a bottle.  With powerful notes such as Violet Leaf Absolute with tones of Orris, the root of the Iris flower, and Jasmine Sambac this scent totally entices the senses.

And not to mention, this ad was GENIUS. 2 Snaps!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Courtesy Photos)

Super Snappy: Get Lala’s Look!

1219-lala-divas-updo-bd.jpg

photo credit: glamour.com/beauty

Can we all just have a moment of snaps for Lala’s amazing appearance at VH1′s DIVAS CELEBRATE SOUL (airing tonight at 9 p.m.)?  Dressed in Laquan Smith’s, amazing ”Constellation” look, I think we can all agree that Mrs. Lala Vasquez-Anthony has truly been having her moment this year.  With a black and silver ensemble, a sultry smokey eye, perfectly popped lips and nails were right on point.

Here a few key products you can try to get Lala’s look in a flash!

1. MAKEUP FOREVER’S New Limited Edition Wild & Chic Aqua Eyes Collection {$36, sephora.com)

 

 

 

 

 

2. COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipstick in Flame {$6.29, drugstore.com}

 

 

 

 

 

3.  NARS “The Multiple” Stick in G-Spot {$39, nars.com}

 

 

 

 

 

4. ARDELL Fashion Lashes Strip Lash in 120 Black {$3.49, drugstore.com}