Beauty Secrets of the Rockettes

Can you believe it's almost time to prepare for the holiday season?  I'm writing this from sunny California, where it's 80 degrees and I can't even begin to think about snow.  Last week however, I found myself in a kick line with the Rockettes at their rehearsal studio in Radio City Music Hall learning the moves to one of their Christmas Spectacular performances thanks to POND'S.  Ever wonder what it's like to be a Rockette?  How about some of their beauty secrets?  I got you covered.  Hint: They do their own makeup!

That's right, NYC's Radio City Rockettes do their own makeup for every performance.  I found that shocking, especially since their iconic red lips are always perfectly painted and smudge-proof, which is not an easy task for a performer.  Post performance, they remove their stage makeup with POND'S – specifically the Cold Cream Cleanser and Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes, because they remove makeup easily and moisturize at the same time leaving their skin soft and pampered.

Besides having great skin, Rockettes are known for having amazing legs! I spoke with Rockette, Sierra Ring to find out the secrets behind their gams.  Our interview went something like this:

Oliptical or Stairmaster

Wax or Shave

Lotion or Oil

Stockings or Bare Legs

Heels or Flats

Self tan or Sun tan

Shorts or Short Shorts

Red Pedi or Nude Pedi

Fun facts huh?  Want to see the Rockettes at Radio City this year?  Enter the POND'S + Rockettes NYC Holiday Getaway Sweepstakes for your chance to win tickets and join our Twitter chat on Monday, November 3rd using #PONDSperforms.  I'll leave you with this adorable video that'll make you want to start your own kick line.

*This post is sponsored by POND'S, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

How to Be a Dove 'Real Woman'

Ever wonder what goes into a "real women" casting?  I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the new Dove Beauty Bar Beauty Chain Campaign shoot, which is a video thanking the women who use Dove, to talk to some of the ladies involved. Not only did I find out about the casting process, but also how you can be a part of it. 

Through word of mouth, 75 women attended a casting and 22 of them were shot for the Dove Beauty Bar Beauty Chain campaign.  As a Dove girl myself, I knew exactly what they were looking for and wasn't surprised when I arrived on set and met Sheri Adams of San Francisco, a mother of four and Renata Zeiguer of the Bronx, a 26 year old yogi. While the Dove woman has a range of ethnicities, ages and body types, one thing's always for sure – she's not a model or actress, radiants confidence, has good skin and has a passion for the brand.

Sound like you?  Then you may want to make a Dove Beauty Chain like the one shot that day.  The face morphing technology is unreal!  I made one called "Three Generations" with a photo of myself, mom and grandma.  Check it out, create your own and spread the Dove love.

The Next Big Thing: Express Facial Peels

Blowout bars, brow bars, makeup bars... aren't we lucky ladies? Having the convenience of quick, specialized services at affordable prices is a luxury we've been getting used to (at least here in NYC). There's a new bar in town that's perhaps the most exciting since the launch of DryBar – The Peel Bar by Dr. Neal Schultz.  The first of it's kind, you can get a 40% glycolic peel for under $40 in just two minutes.  Here's why it'll be the next big rage in beauty.

Dr. Neal Schultz, a NYC derm who is know for his peels, put it on the map. At home, you can try his Progressive Peel, but if your skin craves something a bit more intense, a professional peel is the way to go.  While I frequent my derm for them or even add one on to my facial, the time and money is always a factor.  At The Peel Bar, you can literally stop in, get a two minute glycolic peel (the same strength used at the derms office) for $39 and be on your way.  No wait time and it won't break the bank.

Of course, I analyzed the whole situation during my visit (the first of many) and am confident that with quality control this is a great idea that will quickly spread as fast as the Dry Bar.

You can book a glycolic peel at The Peel Bar at Butterfly Salon, which is located at 149 5th Ave., NYC.  They're being offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays by Dr. Schultz's medical staff.

Halloween Makeup & Makeup Removal

Inspired?  I hope so!  Halloween is just around the corner and whether you have the makeup skills to pull off this look seen at last week's Makeup Forever event or not, using makeup to transform yourself into something creepy or cute (like these animal inspired makeup looks I posted earlier) is almost imperative on dress up night – at least for ladies like us.  However when your night of trick or treating is over, don't forget about your skin when it comes to halloween makeup removal.

Halloween is not the night to skip washing your face!  To prevent any unwanted creatures from popping up on your skin in the morning, make sure to use a cleanser that's known for removing makeup like Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser.  To really get into your pores rub it around in a circular motion and take it off with a warm washcloth to fully remove any goop.  Repeat if necessary and splash with cold water to seal your pores shut.  And not only does the Pond's cleanser dissolve all traces of makeup, but it also moisturizes for soft, radiant skin.

*This post is sponsored by Pond's, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

3 Questions with Cara Delevingne

Your ultimate girl crush is much cooler than you think she is.  I knew I was interviewing Cara Delevingne yesterday so naturally, I prepared my questions, but when I arrived at Sephora in the Meatpacking District to celebrate her new Burberry campaign, I was barely prepared.  Immediately I grabbed a makeup artist and asked her to fill in my brows.  Thank God, because a photo was taken.  Here, she spills her beauty must haves, behind the scenes info on her new campaign and the one super power she wishes her famous brows had.

 1. How was shooting with Kate Moss?  Tell me about the Burberry campaign.

Kate and I have wanted to work together for a while and I still can't believe that it actually happened.  We didn't actually smell the scent before shooting, since it was top secret, but we did on the day of shooting and it's amazing.  We were relieved that it was wicked.  We had so much fun hanging out.  They were trying to get us to stop chatting and concentrate most of the time (on set).

2. What are your ultimate beauty must-haves?

The new Burberry Effortless Eyebrow Definer Stick that I just discovered recently and rose water spray for my face that I use when I travel and always, really.  It's a great refresher and makes me happy.

3. If you could give your brows one super power what would it be and why?

I wish more than anything that I was Medusa and my eyebrows could move.  I would want them to grow some nerves so I can move them.

The new scent, My Burberry, is a floral fragrance that has top notes of sweet pea and bergamot fuse with a heart of geranium, golden quince and freesia, rounded out with base notes of rain-tipped damask and centifolia roses and patchouli.

Guerlain Spa: Effectively Pampering

Last week, instead of facing the usual mid-week 4pm crash, I had the luxury of slipping into a heated bed at the Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Astoria to test out their Abeille Royale Youth Facial instead.  Not a bad way to rejuvenate.  While my afternoon of work seemed fancy, I left finding the spa impressive, the facial extremely satisfying (you know, not the kind where they just rub creams all over your face), and with lots to write about.  

The Guerlain Spa's Abeille Royale Youth Facial started with a foot massage.  Dead serious.  I'm always skeptical when I go to new places for facials, because while being pampered is nice, I like results.  Not that I don't believe that they can't go hand in hand, but I know facials.  Microdermabrasion, peels, extractions... bring it on.

This was a deep cleansing facial, which is exactly what I needed (extractions and such), but while masks sat on my face to dry, my hands were massaged and they placed in paraffin gloves.  A nice touch in deed.  Now that I told you about some of the pampering touches, here's what I really found most impressive about it.

As a 'youth facial' the whole Guerlain Abeille Royal skincare line was used, which is known for firming and toning the skin.  The main ingredient: honey.  Besides being moisturizing, honey is also anti-inflammatory, brightening and soothing.  My esthetician, Alina Cimpoeru, said it also repairs collagen overtime, which I didn't know.

The spa was gorgeous, as it should have been being that it was at the Waldorf.  While waiting you're offered champagne or tea (I chose the latter) and you nestle into a private pod until your therapist calls.  Each treatment room had it's own bathroom with a shower, locker and phone charger.  I will definitely definitely be going back.

The Guerlain Spa is located at the Waldorf Astoria Towers at 100 East 50th St. New York, NY 10022.  You can book an appointment by calling 212.872.7200.

Oribe Fragrance is Now A Thing

If you've ever had your hair styled in a salon with Oribe products, or are completely obsessed with the Dry Texturizing Spray like I am, you're going to love this news.  The signature scent we've all fallen in love with is now available as an eau de parfum. That's right, the beloved haircare brand has bottled up their signature scent and is now doing fragrance.

When developing the celeb hairstylist's haircare line, a perfumer was involved to create a signature scent that was placed in all of the products so they'd be easy to layer.  A fine fragrance, Cote d'Azur, was created and then developed to work with the products.

That fragrance, Oribe Cote d'Azur Eau de Parfum, a citrusy floral, is now available for purchase at salons and on oribe.com for $85.  It's unisex and includes top notes of Fresh lemon, plum, black currant, Calabrian bergamot, Sicilian Orange; middle notes of Tuberose, blue cyclamen, white butterfly jasmine and bottom notes of Sandalwood, vetiver, crisp amber.

That Moment, Just Married

After exchanging "I Do's" Joe and I took pictures in Washington Square Park, where a saxophonist began playing Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" as we walked past.  It couldn't have felt more right.  We began dancing and as the busy hustle and bustle of NYC was happening all around us, we stood still in the energy... for that moment.  Just married.

Final Look Before the I Do's

The rain stopped and the sun came out.  My friends and family claim I was the chillest bride they've ever met, but I still don't see what there would've been to stress over  with such a talented glam squad and the truest friends and family around (don't get me started on my dress).  Guess who was ready to get married?  

Wedding Day Makeup

I guess you can say I'm lucky, because my brows never looked better.  It took a year, but thanks to my wedding day makeup artist, Maribeth Madron, they went through an extreme makeover just in time.  Seeking a hybrid of a natural yet glamourous look, we kept the focus on my eyes and skin very clean with minimal makeup.  With a little help from friends like Tom Ford and Laura Mercier, Maribeth made me look like the best version of myself.  She's truly an artist.

Maribeth is an extraordinary makeup artist, especially for wedding makeup, who really pays attention to detail – no short cuts here.  I've been seeing her at the Sally Hershberger Uptown Salon for about a year and a half now as she's the only one I ever let touch my brows.  Remember, pics of my final look will be shown at the end of the week!  What about my bridesmaids you ask? They started their morning at Rouge, a makeup salon, similar to a blowout bar, in Soho.  And yes, you'll see their final looks a the end of the week, too.

Something Blue-ish

Something old: my grandma's prayer book that was incorporated into my bouquet. Something new: my dress.  Something borrowed: Joe's mom's bracelet. Something blue: my pedicure plus and wedding day scent.  I chose a new scent for my wedding day that Joe approved of before hand so that each time I wear it, I think back to the memories of those romantic moments – getting ready with the girls, arriving at the church, dancing in Washington Square Park with him, being introduced into the ceremony as Mr. & Mrs., our first dance... So, how can a scent be something blue? Better yet, you'll love how I wore it.

I spritzed Oscar de la Renta Something Blue into my veil so when the wind caught it or when it moved as I danced, a sensuous uplifting scent filled the air.  It was romantic and he noticed.

My Wedding Day Hair Inspiration

It's wedding week on BeautySweetSpot!  I told you about my wedding day glam squad before I got married (today marks four months!), but now, I'm excited to show you the behind the scenes of the beauty prep and inspiration.

Up and off the neck was the direction I gave my bridesmaids for their hairstyle on my wedding day.  Inspired by a ballet, they chose their own style Amsale chiffon and lace dresses.  Since their necklines were all different, it only made sense to show them off as they walked down the aisle and stood by my side.  My hairstylist, Liam Carey, assisted by Jan Marie Arteca, crafted all of their updos as well as doing my hair for the biggest day of my life.  With the help of extensions, I ended up with the Angelina Jolie inspired look I envisioned.  Enjoy the photos. Oh yea, my final look will be shown at the end of the week!

Liam Carey and Jan Marie Arteca can be found at the Jeff Chastain Parlor in NYC. How did I choose my stylist you ask?  Great question.  I go to both Liam and Jan regularly for my cut and color and did my first and only hair trial with Liam.  Because I was comfortable with them and knew their level of talent, it was only fitting for wedding hair.  My trial was perfect and having friends there on my big day was a lot of fun for all of us.  Their positive energy added to the environment and all of my bridesmaids were happy with their hair.

Lucy Hale: Get the Look with Mark Cosmetics

I've been seeing Lucy Hale everywhere lately and every time the first thing I think is – she's a mark. girl!  Therefore, when news landed in my inbox about her cover makeup look, I was compelled to cover it.  Plus, it's perfect for the holiday season.  Here, her makeup artist Jamie Greenberg, spills how you can replicate the look with mark cosmetics.

Eyes:

Sweep mark. Eye Dream Of Glam Eye Shadow Palette in light pink shade (left column, second shade from bottom) across the eye lids. Next, apply the blue shade (top right column) starting at the center of the lid and extending outwards into a defined V shape. Line the upper and lower lash lines with mark. What A Line Max Waterproof Eyeliner in Electric Cobalt and finish with two coats of mascara.

Face:

Sweep mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes onto the apples of the cheeks, blending upwards along the cheekbones.

Lips:

Complete the look by applying mark. On The Dot Lip Gloss Compact’s light pink gloss (top right shade) across the lips.

*This is a sponsored post by mark cosmetics, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Solution: TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel

One of the best pieces of advice I could give you about aging is that it's better to prevent it than to correct it so always be smart about your lifestyle decisions as they all affect your skin.  There are so many ways in which our skin ages and with every beauty event I go to, I learn more and more about it.  Did you hear about glycation (sugar!) yet?  Well, let me fill you in.

Glycation (or advanced glycation end-products, AGEs) occurs when excess sugars in the body bind with proteins in the skin, causing stiffness and inelasticity, which causes the skin to age.  The solution?  Products that reverse the aging affect when sugars enter the body.

One product I found that tackles this issue is the new TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel. It helps reverse the external effects of damage caused by these advanced glycation end-products.  Containing natural ingredients like noni, Cornelian cherry, olive leaf, blueberry and cranberry extracts, and is super light and moisturizing. With daily use, with or without moisturizers, it will improve your skin's appearance.

TruAge Skin AGE Therapy Gel is available for $42 at Morinda.com.

*This is a sponsored post by TruAGE, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Animal Inspired Halloween Makeup Ideas

Do you know what you're being for Halloween yet?  As I was searching through ideas on Pinterest, I came across this adorable deer makeup look, which inspired this whole animal inspired halloween makeup ideas post.  Because, who doesn't want to be an animal for halloween?  From different types of cats to a mouse, fox and even a giraffe, here are the cutest and of course, some of the sexiest.

Runway to Reality: Fall Beauty Trends on NBC

When I go backstage during NY Fashion Week I'm always seeking out looks and trends that we can actually wear.  From retro blow outs and metallic smokey eyes to sophisticated burgundy manicures and diffused berry lips, I gave the scoop to New York Live's Jacque Reid.  Check out the segment after the jump.

Body Bronzing Obsessions

Would you rather watch a product review or read about it?  Well, guess who's turning to YouTube?  Thanks to you guys, I'm now using the video channel to do some product reviews.  I've noticed some of the videos I've posted on my channel throughout my career have gotten a ton of hits (almost two million views in total!), so here's a quick video review of my favorite self tanners of the moment. Because it's fall and we're pale.  Hope you enjoy it!

Help Him Get Fuller Looking Hair

Ladies, one of the touchiest subjects when it comes to men's grooming is balding. Yes, receding hairlines and thinning... the whole nine yards.   Is your man starting to go down that path?  Well, I talked to a derm, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz and stylist to the stars, Sunnie Brook to find out how you can help him out.  And I know you're wondering, but my man is blessed with hair I could only dream of having!  Read the scoop in my latest AskMen article.  You're welcome.

Get the Look: Jessica Alba's Cat Eye

This weekend Jessica Alba was spotted at the Global Citizen Festival in Central Park looking fierce with a flair – a Lauren Conrad-esque cat eye.  Her makeup artist, Quinn Murphy, gave me the breakdown on the exact makeup she used to get the look.

“To complement Jessica's black dress, I focused her look around black eyeliner while keeping the rest of the makeup bronze and warm.  It was 80 degrees in Central Park so a sun-kissed coral look was unseasonably appropriate," commented Murphy.

To the center of her eyelids, Murphy applied NARS Multiple in Vientaine and blended it up and outward before lining Jessica's top lash line with Estee Lauder Black Gel Eyeliner.  She made the line thicker on the outer edges and gave it a flick for a cat eye effect.  To finish, she applied Armani Eyes to Kill Black Mascara on the top and bottom lashes.

Two Face Masks You Need Now

Whether you do face masks to pamper every so often or to take serious skincare matters into your own hands and play esthetician (hehe) by giving yourself facials every other day, I have a theory that you can never have too many.  My medicine cabinet is full of them. When I get sent a new mask, it's a product I'll always put to the test.  Two have came across my desk and ended up in my weekly must-do stash that are worth a slot in your Sunday night skincare regimen.

Exfoliation: The Bliss Multi-'Face'-eted All-In-One Anti-Aging Clay Masque is a flexible clay mask that doesn't fully dry and tighten as it sits on your skin.  It contains alpha hydroxy acid along with smoothing quartz, which feel like the tiniest grains of sand, to help exfoliate.  My skin looked brighter and felt softer after one use.  I just left it on for five minutes (directions say five to seven), then took it off with a warm wash cloth.  Using a wash cloth to remove it is essential as it aids in the exfoliation process.

Hydration: The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Masque, $54, has a potent does of hyaluronic acid and B5 that instantly plumps your skin.  As a fan of the brand's B5 gel, which is a moisture boost that I sometimes use under my nighttime moisturizer, I knew I'd be into this mask before I began using it.  It's great not only for people who need extra moisturization, but also for those who have fine lines and need a boost.  After washing my face at night, I leave it on for 10 minutes and allow it to soak in.  Then, instead of washing it off, I pat what's left on my face into my skin and wear it to bed.

I don't know about you, but in my world, doing both of these face masks in a row is a perfect Sunday night.