Today, everyone’s buzzing about all the amazing couture that strutted the red carpet at last night’s Met Gala. And I agree, there were a lot of great looks (my fave: Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello) … but let’s talk about the nails! Deborah Lippmann (yes, that Deborah Lippmann) created a handful of chic manicures for some of the soiree’s most celebrated attendees. The Olsen Twins went minimalist with classically gorgeous (and decidedly un-punk, but whatever) buffed nails, achieved with Lippmann’s Smooth Operator 4 Way Nail Buffer. Emma Watson took the minimalist vibe a step further with Prelude to a Kiss, a sheer, misty pink. (You don’t need much else when you’re wearing that dress.) For Michelle Dockery, a bold, chunky glitter polish in the way of Lady Sings The Blues proved the perfect finishing touch.
How do you mix punk rock and glamour? Since the theme for this year’s Met Gala—Punk: Chaos to Couture—was announced, the fashion world’s most celebrated faces and benefactors have been pondering this one. Some failed to get it (Katie Holmes, Heidi Klum and Kate Upton, we’re looking at you) but others hit it out of the park! Here are the stars we feel did the theme the most justice. What does your inner punk say?
Miley Cyrus
Perfectly punk by Miley in all facets. A long-sleeved netted Marc Jacobs gown flattered her figure while remaining on the edge of risqué. And the hair? Rather than her usual slicked-back look, a spike ‘do worthy of any punk rocker. We love it.
Sienna Miller
Now, I wouldn’t normally classify a gorgeous open-back Burberry dress as “punk,” but coupled with that fierce studded cropped jacket, it looked perfect for the occasion.
Gwen Stefani
With a black-and-white Maison Martin Margiela ensemble and swept hair, sharp eyes and popping red lips, Gwen definitely didn’t disappoint.
Zachary Quinto
Overall, I was disappointed with the male talent on the red carpet. With such an amazing theme to work with, there wasn’t nearly enough experimentation. Sporting a blue-tipped Mohawk and the attitudinal stare to boot, Zachary Quinto stood out.
Anja Rubik
Damn! This woman is punk and she knows it. In a very leggy Anthony Vaccarello chain link mini, Anja Rubik blew us all away. Fierce eyes, matching mini and lips, and a quiff to boot? Anja’s look had it all.
Rooney Mara
Spectacularly dressed head-to-toe in Givenchy, event co-host Rooney Mara flaunted her amazing figure with a low-cut, zip-up gown with lace detailing. With vamp lips to complement her fair skin, Rooney’s punk was more of a soft, otherworldly vision. Definitely impressive.
Cara Delevingne
Model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne did not disappoint, flying the British flag and flashing a lot of flesh in her sharply-studded Burberry number. The 20-year-old had punk down to a T, with a knuckleduster-style ring and sharp Perspex earrings by Dominic Jones jewellery, a dagger hanging from her neck, and heavily smoky eyes.
As a packagedesigner, I place a higher value on beauty products that are well-designed. It really shows when companies take time to design their packaging for their customers. These are my top packaging finds for spring—and I promise the formulas inside match the quality designs on the outside.
1. Paul & Joe Beaute’s Face and Eye Colorpods are works of art inside and out. Paul & Joe is known for their artsy patterns and I love the contrast between this floral and checkered design.
2. The entire Face Stockholm line has such a clean high-end feel. The Correctorconcealer palette is no different; the packaging lets the skin-neutralizing colors be the star of the design.
3. Tocca always has great vintage-looking packaging, and this time it is just so fitting given the long history of solid perfume. Solid perfumes like Cleopatra are really great for traveling or keeping in a gym bag because they cannot spill, drip or break like a bottle of perfume can.
4. Holland Park Interior Perfume by Royal Apothic is another great design. It is a modern take on the handcrafted qualities of vintage packaging. The vintage inspired atomizer adds to the old world feel and makes the product fun to interact with.
5. RGB Nail Color – Minty- First off—if you haven’t noticed already, this is the in color of the season! It has become just as versatile as a neutral because it pairs so nicely with almost any color. RGB’s branding is one of my favorites because of its simplicity as well as its second meaning in the design world: the digital color profile of red, green and blue.
6. I had to include a personal snap shot of my Air Buffed BB Creme by Too Faced Cosmetics in order to show the innovative design. The free brush sits on top like a bow and pops off for easy use on the go! And by the way the cream-to-powder formula is great when you are in a hurry but want a clean airbrushed look.
7. I love the diecut label and 2 color design of Miss Jessie’s Super Sweetback Treatment. This product looks like it is some kind of secret hair remedy—something you would keep hidden in your personal stash of products.
The 30-day Ab Challenge is officially over, and although this doesn’t mean we’ll be stopping our pursuit of the beach body anytime soon, our stint as rivaling wannabe gym junkies is over. It’s been an intense month, with most of the competitors putting in a considerable amount of effort, much to the ongoing amusement of our lady co-workers who put the challenge to us. Rey has proven he will stop at nothing to see his employees fail, while apparently not consuming a single carb for the month. I’ve been laughed at in the gym by proper gym-goers for trying to pull too much weight on the cables, I see Ryan nearly drop weights on his head every day, and I fail to recall Iman leaving the office once apart from going out for his version of “fresh air.”
This is all a bit of fun but it’s also not a stupid idea to raise a bit of awareness as the once Mo-growing men we were for men’s health. It’s easy to say that you’re busy with work and haven’t got time to give yourself a break. But I think we can all say that putting in that little bit of effort and setting a time frame for our efforts was fun, manageable, definitely provided quality talking points throughout the office, and I believe brought us all a little bit closer in an office with a woman to man ratio of about 90-10.
Hopefully you know what I’m rambling on about, either through the DermStore Facebook, or here on my blog. We’ve put in the effort and now we want to share with you the fruits of our labor and hear what you’ve got to say. Again, we’ve set up a poll, and we want you to vote for your favorite DermStore man and who you think has made the biggest improvement. You’ve got the choice of eight manly men, with their before and after shots up for you to decide. Take your time, I know it may be a bit distracting for some, but get to the polls – conveniently located below – and cast your vote before 5pm Wednesday, the 8thof May, Pacific Time. Share with us your vote and see who will be crowned the winner of the 30-Day Ab Challenge in the Hunt for the Iron Abs.
Who here is ready for the weekend? I know I am. We have 2 big reasons to celebrate: the Kentucky Derbyand Cinco de Mayo. By now you should know I love any reason to throw a party and in my household the Kentucky Derby is a big one. My boyfriend’s best friend, a Kentucky native, rallies up the gang for one BIG viewing extravaganza filled with games, debauchery and snacks. Being from Arizona, this tradition is pretty new to me so some research was necessary and luckily for you I’m sharing my findings and tips on how to be the loveliest lady at your party and survive it with grace.
Dress the Part:
This is your excuse to wear a fabulous headpiece and gorgeous dress. Be it a hat or these beautiful headbands and mini hat clips featured above from my favorite boutique Haut Panache – you’ll definitely revival those at the actual event. This year I’ll be wearing red, so naturally I had to have the Haut Panache above with the feathers and red flower. As far as makeup goes, it’s all about Tarina Tarantino’s cosmetics line which is new to blush.com. The jewelry designer has been a long time favorite so when we got the brand, I gravitated to the lip glosses and accessories immediately. PLUS right now, the sparkle queen herself is blush’s tastemaker for the month of May. She’s sharing her favorite cosmetics and giving away her Silent Stripes ”City Lights” Bangle Bracelet with purchase of $125 or more. I’ll definitely be making some much needed orders.
Learn to make a Mint Julep:
Quench everyone’s thirst with your mint julep skills. I’m not a big fan of them and plus I’m not drinking much these days but it doesn’t mean I can’t help get the party started by playing mixologist. This recipe from buzzfeed features bourbon and in honor of Kentucky that’s the right choice.
Something to Talk About:
When in doubt, head straight to the do’s and don’ts of Kentucky Derby fashion. There are some epic fails, remember Debra Messing looking like a gray crayon?) and some royal winners. This is a great conversation piece and much more enjoyable than talking about the weather.
Make A Statement with a Piñata:
This year I wanted to do something unexpected and love surprising people so I’ll be making a piñata thanks to Kelly at Studio DIY but instead of using a donkey, I found my stallion at Party City. I’m almost halfway done so wish me luck on the roses!
Bring the Sweetness with Hold Your Horses Cookies by Bake at 350
These derby sugar cookies found via Pinterest are completely cute and worth getting your Kitchenaid mixer out. A safe bet that these horses will all be winners and win you big points.
Do you have any weekend plans to share? Big on traditions or just like to celebrate by staying at home? Let us know your weekend plans!
Ladies and gentlemen, the 30-Day Ab Challenge has finally come to an end. It has been 30 days of testosterone-fueled debates and challenges, arrogance and sabotage. Ray showed his lack of self-belief by fattening us up with Big Macs and Carls Jr., Jason decided to get fit by cleaning out his Dad’s garage, while I think Erik has been concentrating a bit too much on his arms. But, the after shots are being taken as we speak, and come Monday, it’ll be up to you to decide who has really made the biggest transformation. Iron abdominals would be ideal, but we just wanted to see a bit of effort put in, see who could make some adjustments and get started on shaping the midriff. So, the vote is with you. Watch out on Monday for the before-and-after photos, join our poll and give some love to the DermStore bloke you think has made the biggest improvements.
We all have certain things in our lives that are rites of passage, like getting a driver’s license or voting for the first time. For me it happened at the cosmetics counter where my mother took me at a young age to get started on my first skincare routine.
ErnoLaszlo was the skincare line my mother had used for years, it was like passing down a precious family heirloom. I remember my mother telling me that Erno Laszlo was the skincare line that was used by Marilyn Monroe. I remember thinking that Marilyn Monroe could have used any skincare brand she desired and Erno Laszlo is the brand she chose.
So here we are many years later in 2013 and I am still a fan of this timeless yet innovative brand.One of my favorite products from Erno Laszlo is the “Anti Blemish Beta Purifying Mask.”I have oily skin and yet I do not want to use a product that will totally dry out my skin. This is a product that is absolutely perfect for everyone. I use it once a week, sometimes more if my skin is breaking out more than usual.
It can be used on just certain parts of the face or all over. This is a detoxifying mask formulated with salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores while removing excess shine for a refined appearance. Kaolin Clay draws out impurities from skin including dirt, make-up and oil. Eucalyptus and peppermint soothe redness and irritation to reduce inflammation. If you have a breakout it is lessened or if you just want to keep the grease factor under control and keep those pesky blemishes away this is the go to mask for you.
Working in the cosmetic industry, I research and try many products all the time, and there are many great products out there, but I am really in awe of Dr. Laszlo, who was a trailblazer in his time. He was a Hungarian Dermatologist who started his skincare line in 1927, and we are still using his products in 2013. He was the first to combine the exact science of his profession with cosmetology in a time when skin imperfections were hidden instead of healed. Women rarely realized their full beauty potential.
His ideas about skincare seemed radical in 1927 but his clients loved him and his practice grew. He moved to the US in 1930 and in 1939 he opened his famed 5th avenue skincare institute in New York City. Many celebrities are regular users of Erno Laszlo today Madonna ,Gweneth Paltrow, Susan Saradon, Ashley Judd, Claudia Schiffer and even Brad Pitt just to name a few.
If you are a Erno Laszlo user or have never tried Erno Lazlo products before I think the “Anti Blemish Beta Purifying Mask” would be a great product to try as it is gentle enough for all skin types , helps unclog pores and leaves your skin feeling baby soft all day.
Ladies, if your man isn’t a great believer in the power of beauty products, it’s upon you to take the first step and open his eyes to what he’s missing. We have countless amounts of products that are perfect for blokes, and especially ones to help target what’s probably our most excluded area of concern, the under eye area. This is one area we just don’t give enough respect to. Late nights, lack of sleep and excessive consumption of alcohol can all make us look far worse than our usual amazing selves. We don’t really go out and buy specific eye treatments, some of us may sneak a little from your bag, but we need you to help us. You do want your man looking good, don’t you? If you answered yes, then take a look at these products, all specially targeted to help us men look our best.
These treatments are all specially designed to target the dark spots, bags and puffiness that are bound to show after a few big nights and hinder our youthful mugs. They’re packed with all the right stuff as well, like cucumber, shea and cocoa butter to moisturize, caffeine to add a burst of energizing benefits, and green tea and vitamin E to reduce the puffiness and deliver potent antioxidants.
You’ve heard of these before haven’t you? They’re in all of your products and you know they do wonders for your skin. So help out the man in your life and treat him to a product that you’ll both benefit from. He’ll think he looks amazing and young again, and you won’t have to look at those tired eyes.
As a woman approaching her 40′s it is a definite concern of mine to preserve the efforts I make in taking care of my body and youth by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep. Working as a professional woman wearing makeup everyday is part of my daily beauty routine. Like you, I want to make sure the makeup that is on my face all day is doing something to enhance my look as well as help in repairing the effects of aging like sun damage and fine line reduction.
Skin care products provide much needed benefits that aid in repairing the effects of the environment to my skin. It only makes sense that applying makeup that has skin care infused ingredients to my regime would give me added benefits and long term results that every woman wants…including me!
Marketing in the cosmetics industry can be very confusing. We are told to stay away from products likes parabens (parabens have been proven to penetrate the skin and can be traced in the blood minutes after application, it is theorized that they may have adverse effects on the body), phalates, (industrial chemicals that are used as solvents in many cosmetics, shown to damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems in animal studies, phthalates can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled), and animal derived ingredients ( see list from PETA) as well as many more! Knowing the side effects and functions of what some of these ingredients do will help you understand what to stay away from.
Boxx cosmetics was developed with great thought and research and provides us with cosmetics that are great for our skin, free of ingredients that are harmful and of course are COMPACT.LUXURY.BEAUTIFUL!
Here are some active ingredients to look for and the benefits they provide in boxx cosmetics products.
VITAMIN E- A major anti-oxidant nutrient that retards cellular aging due to oxidation, increases the moisture level and facilitates the desquamation and replacement of the cell of the skin surface. In this way it maintains the elasticity of the skin and helps to prevent wrinkling. (used in all products by boxx cosmetics)
ORGANIC BEESWAX- forms an effective barrier, protecting the skin from harsh environmental conditions. It has wonderfully emollient, soothing and softening properties and helps the skin retain moisture. It’s a biologically active product, retaining some anti-bacterial properties. (used in boxx cosmetics Lipshine)
ORGANIC CARNAUBA WAX- because of its hypoallergenic and emollient properties as well as its shine, carnauba wax appears as an ingredient in many cosmetics formulas where it is used to thicken lipstick. Carnauba wax is extremely durable, has film-forming properties and dries to a glossy finish. Specific for carnauba wax is the content of cinnamic acid (about 10%), which is an antioxidant. (used in boxx cosmetics Lipshine)
MANGO BUTTER-exhibits excellent moisturizing for lotions and good lubricity on skin. It melts readily at skin temperature making it ideal for sticks and balms. (used in boxx cosmetics Lipshine)
MAXILIP™-Designed specifically for lip care, MAXILIP™ hydrates the lips and helps to restore glycosaminoglycans and collagen, increasing lip moisture and adding volume to improve the contour of the lips and give better definition to the lipline. MAXILIP™ also significantly reduces the appearance of cheilites to make dry, chapped, desquamating lips a thing of the past. (used in boxx cosmetics Lipshine and Lip Color)
HYALURONIC FILLING SPHERES®-instantly plump and fill wrinkles, for a dramatically younger-looking appearance. HYALURONIC FILLING SPHERES® are made of pure hyaluronic acid. It works through an ingenious hydration process: dehydrated spheres physically expand after absorbing skin’s own natural moisture reserves, visibly plumping and smoothing wrinkles and folds. (used in boxx cosmetics Lip Color)
ZINC OXIDE-an inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating and sunscreen ingredient in cosmetics. It can also be an anti-irritant and potentially an antioxidant. Absorber of the full UV spectrum of sun rays (short UVB to long UVA), soothing effects (widely used against skin irritations), anti-fungal properties. Because it reflects both UVA and UVB rays of ultraviolet light, zinc oxide can be used in ointments, creams, and lotions to protect against sunburn and other damage to the skin caused by ultraviolet light (see sunscreen). It is the broadest spectrum UVA and UVB absorber that is approved for use as a sunscreen by the FDA, and is completely photostable. It is also a main ingredient of mineral makeup. ( used in boxx cosmetics Powder)
SORBITAN OLIVATE-Natural based gelling agent developed from natural olive chemistry. (used in boxx cosmetics Cream Correctors)
DERMAXYL™- Anti-ageing wrinkle smoothing and offers cutaneous barrier repair capability. It stimulates cell communication and then repairs age related skin damage. Assists is reducing wrinkles by enhancing the body’s production of Collagen. (used in boxx cosmetics Cream Correctors)
SPILANTHES ACMELLA EXTRACT-A concentrated oily extract taken from the upper part of the Spilanthes Acmella plant. By stimulating the bio-mechanical functions of the fibroblasts, it will reorganize the architecture of the dermis. The density and firmness of the skin are then rapidly enhanced, leading to a reduction in skin roughness, Visibly active, the action is measurable from the first application. Ultra rapid Anti-Aging action! ( used in boxx cosmetics Cream Correctors)
Using skin care infused ingredients in our cosmetics make sense for our skin to help combat the day to day environmental damage we face every day. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
About The Author
Sandra K. Milligan-Founder/Creator, boxx cosmetics
As the creative force behind boxx cosmetics, Sandra Milligan – with 16 years of experience in the hair and beauty industry – is one of Canada’s most recognized personalities in the field.
Living proof of her philosophy – that simple solutions can lead to lasting impressions – Sandra exudes her passion through her work, anchored on the belief that a woman should be confident, comfortable, empowered, sexy, and, most of all, herself.
Out of this approach to beauty, boxx cosmetics was born.
In Sandra’s words, “boxx cosmetics arose from identifying the need for high quality, practicality, innovation and affordability — a line of stylish cosmetics designed to be simple to use, carry and replace.”
With boxx cosmetics, Sandra offers professional quality beauty care products, made in Canada, and affordably-priced. A well-known personality across the beauty industry, Sandra regularly offers her industry wisdom to magazines, major beauty conventions and trade shows, and has contributed to a number of training materials.
Sandra lives in Toronto and enjoys a busy life of friends, fitness, art and adventure.
Okay, so everyone needs a scrub in their cleaning and grooming routines, and the Adrenaline Junkie Energizing Scrub is powerful for my skin. It has a deep tingle as you massage it into your face, so you can literally feel it scrubbing away and doing its job. A strong peppermint scent also helps soothe and wake up your face like no other. Then you’ve got the Triple Crown Three-In-One Body Wash, and normally I’m okay with using anything with a decent scent, but this is different. Billy Jealousy’s body wash is so ridiculously nice smelling, and coupled with moisturizing qualities that make you feel like you’re bathing in silk, you can begin to understand why I’m enjoying my shower time.
Then we move to the hair products, and when something says it will give me stronger and thicker hair, with the state of my hairline, I’m all over it. Now, like no other products I’ve seen, Billy Jealousy’s Hair Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated to block the formation of DHT, the male hormone that among other things contributes to balding later in life. With a blend of natural and scientifically proven ingredients, these products not only reduce the chances of hair loss, they promote a fuller and thicker head of hair. Add in a necessary double application of the shampoo and leaving the conditioner in for a few minutes, and you’ve got yourself an extended period of time under the shower nozzle.
So, Billy Jealousy, thank you for your products, they’re all of a high standard and will no doubt be re-stocked in my shower, but please, pay my water bill.
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