A Holiday Classic

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Sunnies: Ralph Lauren | Jacket: H&M (old) | Pearls: Bloomingdales
Top: Zara (old) | Dress: Vince Camuto


Nothing spells holiday quite like a little splash of red. A beautiful color that'll always be synonymous with the cheerful qualities of the holiday season, red is a color I tend to gravitate towards during this time of year. 

Whether it be a swipe of lipstick or a rich red manicure, incorporating this flattering shade into your style routine during the winter season offers a lovely pop of color without looking seasonally inappropriate. 

While I'm still on the hunt to find the perfect LRD (little red dress), pairing this fun tone with my favorite lady-like ensembles will do until then. 

Here's a look I wore earlier this week. And although I was traveling by car, stepping out bare-legged on a NYC winter day was not a wise move--I've been sick since. I know, the things we do for fashion. 





What did you wear this holiday weekend?



A Note To My Dear Readers..

Thursday, December 18, 2014







Ask & Tell Beauty has always been a sweet place for me to share my latest beauty findings and pretty pieces that have caught my eye as of late. While I love bringing the best to you all, I've been lacking with updates. Sadly, life got in the way and pulled my attention to more pressing matters (professionally and personally).

I'd just like to express my greatest apologies for not posting much in recent months. 
Thankfully, I've written up some fun posts on reviews, a little style stuff and exciting projects I've been working on. 

So thrilled to be back with regular programming and as usual would love to hear your thoughts. 
Stay tuned.. 



If you're a social butterfly (as I know you all are!) 
Keep up with with me on beauty, dating horrors and all that good stuff on twitter:

OR 

If you just love photos and want a little beauty or style inspo, head over to instagram: 


Also, with holiday season in full swing, you might have a beauty question or two, email me, I'd love to hear from you.
Love you beauties! 



Image via Instagram

NYFW Wes Gordon SS 2015 - Nails

Friday, September 5, 2014

New York Fashion Week is back and bolder than ever. However, just our luck, summer finally made its humid and sticky comeback this week with high temperatures and lots of (HOT!) sunshine. While this spells trouble for attendees, a little harsh weather has never been a reason to slow down style.

As usual, things are heating up backstage at the shows (I'm not just talking hot hair tools!) and the pro's are delivering some major looks. As one who loves all things nails, it's no surprise that I start my NYFW coverage with a nail post. 


New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014
Designer: Wes Gordan
Manicurist: Rita Remark
Brand: Essie


Drawing inspiration from the muted tones of Gordon's SS 2015 collection, Rita created a look that was both elegant and and unexpected. Designing a delicate lined pattern on the nails emphasized the feeling of the collection and appeared as if linen was resting against the skin. 

Offering a creative twist on a classic, sophisticated manicure, Rita's designer manicure reworked a staple look in the best way. Here's how you an recreate this manicure yourself: 

PREP: Like all great manicures, a proper foundation is needed. Neatly coat a single layer of Ridge Filling Base Coat to clean, shaped, polish-free nails. 

COLOR: Once dried, dress nails in a single coat of Cocktails and Coconuts, following with a layer of Imported Bubbly atop the previous color. Layering this slightly iridescent and sheer gives nails an almost dewy skin-like finish. 

DESIGN: As the foundation color dries, it's time to start on the linen design. With a striping brush, dip into Essie's Blanc (the brand's whitest shade) and whip away the excess. Draw the lined pattern by pulling the brush from the cuticle to the tip in one motion, continuing with two more lines. Each should be evenly spaced and look tapper away at the tips. You will use the same method with the lines across the nail, neatly moving to either walls of the nail. 

FINISH: To diffuse some of the stark whiteness of the shade, Rita suggests layering a coat of Allure on top of the design. Finish the look with a luxurious top coat (Good To Go Top Coat) which will leave nails looking glossy and luxe. 



PEDICURE: To keep the look uniform, Rita picked an neutral shade that works well with a multitude of skin tones and features just enough of a creamy base tone (Sand Tropez). 




Images: Courtesy of Essie

Mary-Kate And Ashley Olsen Beauty Looks

Friday, June 13, 2014

If you're a 90's girl, you pretty much grew up with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Growing up in those golden years, my friends and I idolized these two blondes, loving everything from their perfectly tousled waves to overly glossed lips. We all rushed to each other’s homes to watch their latest straight-to-video movies and never missed a single episode of their shows. It’s safe to say that the Olsen sister’s were a major source of beauty and style inspiration.

  

Looking back now, the looks we once loved are clearly very dated. However, as the girls (and their devoted fans!) matured, their beauty routine appropriately followed. As an adult, I find myself looking to this stylish duo for beauty inspiration once again. Their signature wide, bright eyes are often smoked with earthy brown shades with copper and gold under tones. As a major fan of brown and neutral shadows, it is no surprise that their effortless and “undone” smoky looks draw me in time and time again.

In honor of their 28th birthday, I thought it was only appropriate to round up some of my favorite brown and taupe-y eye shadows that very Olsen-worthy.



Charlotte Tilbury – The Dolce Vita Palette
The Queen of the undone and simple smoky eye, celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has finally launched her dreamy cosmetic collection in the US. While she amazingly knocked it out of the park across the board, it is her Dolce Vita Palette that is truly extraordinary. Featuring four shades, this universal palette is ultra-flattering and mistake proof. The colors offered in this palette can take eyes from dull to mesmeric. Much like those worn by the Olsen’s, the Dolce Vita palette can help you create a seductive layered or a dimensional smoked and smudged look.


NARS Eye Shadow – California & Fez
If you’re more a simple shadow girl, I’ll have to suggest reaching for a NARS shadows. Consisting of softly blended formulas, NARS expertly created a smooth shadow that glides onto lids. California features more coppery under tones whereas Fez is a soft brown with a subtle gold iridescence blended throughout. Both of these colors look lovely on the lid and blended along the lower lash line. For a more dramatic look, apply a chocolate liner along the waterline and smudge along the upper lash line.


Tom Ford – Golden Minx

This luxurious palette is must-have for any brown shadow lover. Featuring lovely neutral shades in matte, satin and shimmered finishes, this quad has got something for every smoky eye enthusiast. A favorite on the Tom Ford runway, this collection of shades also happens to be the perfect shades you need to create that layered Olsen eye look. Best of all, these creamy shades can easily be layered without looking excessive. 




Images: WWD, Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Neiman Marcus

The Best Red Lipsticks For Spring

Friday, May 23, 2014



With the days getting longer and the temperature starting to warm up, it’s only appropriate to start lightening up your beauty routine. It’s time to shelf your favorite vampy red lipsticks and start reaching for lighter and brighter tones of red. As someone who shies away from red lippies, I (secretly) love collecting this shade and racked up quite a collection of seasonally appropriate blends. While many sported their favorite matte blends this past winter, spring and summer invite women to try lip options that are lighter and silkier in texture. I’ve looked through my lovely reds and found that these two lipsticks are a must for spring. 


YSL Rouge PUR Couture Lipstick 1 Le Rouge
Of course the tube/packaging is super luxurious but the lipstick itself is a creamy blend of perfection. A true red that glides onto lips and packs an intense dose of color, YSL’s Rouge PUR Couture Lipstick in 1 Le Rouge is a must for any lipstick enthusiast. Best of all, this ultra bold red offers major color in a single swipe. A perfect red lipstick for the warmer months, this hydrating and ultra-light weight red lippie sets in a subtle satin finish.
$34, yslbeautyus.com



Tom Ford Lipstick Cherry Lush 
Unlike YSL, Tom Ford Lipstick in Cherry Lush is a multifaceted red lipstick with fuchsia undertones. Blended with a super subtle iridescent pearl, this rich red gives a fresh touch to a classic shade. Featuring nourishing ingredients like chamomilla flower oil, murumuru butter and soja seen extract, TF’s lipsticks are both creamy and smooth. Often with ultra-creamy formulas, product tends to slip and move around quite easily but that is not the case with TF. This richly pigmented product stays put without drying out the lips. If you’re in the market for a lustrous red, opt for Cherry Lush, as it gives lips the perfect amount of luxurious color and luminosity.
$49, bergdorfgoodman.com


A Spring Manicure With Jin Soon

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Every year, I patiently wait out the bitter NYC winter for the beautiful sights of spring. From blocks lined with blossoming cherry blossom trees to city parks filled with blooming tulips, New York City just stuns in the spring. 

 
Tulips (and peonies!) happen to be my absolute FAVORITE flower. From plums to red and every pink peach tone in between, this elegant flower has held a special place in my heart since the elementary years. This season, Jin Soon, the ultimate nail guru and manicure maven, has created an incredibly charming manicure exclusively inspired by this beautiful flower. 


This ultra-sweet manicure brings together two of my favorite colors in this simple yet chic manicure. To learn how you can recreate this floral-inspired manicure yourself, here's how: 

Prep: Always start with clean, polish-free nails. Once free of polish, files nails to a softened, natural squared shape. 

Polish: Begin by coating nails in a single application of JINsoon Power Coat. Once dried, apply JINsoon Dolly Pink to nails. 

Design: Make sure nails are dry before applying the next layer of color to avoid smudging. Take a thin nail brush and draw two thin lines 3/4 of the way up from the cuticle using JINsoon Cherry Berry. Next, neatly curve lines to each side of the nail. The tulip petals should mirror one another. Once lined, fill the area with Cherry. 

Finish: Seal the manicure with a single coat of JINsoon Top Gloss. This ultra-glossy top coat not only gives impeccable shine but offers lasting, chip-resistant results. 




Images: Amna Anwar, JINsoon

Easter Nails With Jin Soon Choi

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Spring is finally here and we couldn’t be more happy to make the seasonal (and beauty!) shift. I find myself reaching for lighter moisturizers, poppy lip options and my favorite pastel polishes. There is something about delicate pinks and cheerful orange tones that look so perfect in the spring sunshine.

This season, nail guru Jin Soon Choi choose these tones and vibrant spring blues to create a chic manicure perfect for the Easter Holiday.

Reminiscent of Easter egg decorations, this delectable manicure offers a poppy layered look using her amazing polish range – JINsoon. With a few simple steps, this manicure maven has detailed the exact way you can recreate this festive manicure yourself.




Prep
Always begin with absolutely clean, polish free nails. File and shape nails to either a natural square or rounded shape. Buff nails if desired.

Polish
After nails have been properly shaped and cleaned, apply a coat of JINsoon Power Coat as a base. Once dried, apply JINsoon Dolly Pink to the entire nail bed.

Design
Once nails are polished and dried, apply JINsoon Poppy Blue polish 2/3rd’s of the way from the top of the nails. Create a scalloped or curved edge at the end closer to the cuticle and fill polish to the tip.

While you can finish the look off here, Jin offers another tone of color to maximize the manicure. Grab Formula X For Sephora in Seismic and polish over the poppy blue in the same manner as the blue.

Finishing Touch
Once dried, finalized the look in a coat of JINsoon Top Gloss. This ultra-glossy, high-shine top coat will leave nails looking professional and super pretty.





Will you be trying this look for your next manicure?


Images: Courtesy of JINsoon  

Sunday Styles -- Dreaming of Summer

Monday, April 7, 2014



Jacket: H&M (Love this!) | Dress: Anna Sui (old) | Pearls: Vintage
Shoes: Tory Burch 'Prescot 2' | Nails: Butter London 'Come to Bed Red'

Can it just be warm outside! 
I took advantage of the brief afternoon warmth this past weekend and brought a little summer to NYC with this sweet Anna Sui dress. The cute shell detailing along the belt was such a nice reminder of warm, sun drenched summer days. Although my trip down memory lane was cut short (damn wind!), I found a lovely spot where there was plenty of sunshine. 







5 Must Have Mascaras You Need Now

Tuesday, April 1, 2014



A beautiful set of lashes perfectly frame the eyes and serve as a luxurious finishing touch to any beauty look. While Elizabeth Taylor was gifted with a natural set of  luxe lashes, many of us fake the lush lash look with a pair of falsies. No longer reserved for dramatic evening looks, false eye lashes have become a normalcy among beauty enthusiasts. However, achieving longer, fuller and more voluminous lashes can be done using the proper mascara. I've rounded up the top 5 mascaras I have loved and used time and time again -- each delivering mega volume and full lashes.

While mascara formulation is important, the wand is a major factor is achieving that neat full look. Also, no one said that its a crime to layer mascaras. If you're anything like me, you will find that layering mascaras (or any beauty product) can produce some really lovely results. I have detailed some mascaras that work well layered together below.



Benefit They're Real 
The name and packaging was enough to reel me in but boy does this mascara deliver. Those who have used it (myself included) have surely seen a great difference in lash length with this product. Offering a plastic wand of medium fullness with tiny bristles, this mascara really separates lashes and gets every little corner lash. My only concern is that it does not add much volume or thickness. I advise using this a base mascara.
$23, benefitcosmetics.com 

Layer options -- Benefit 'They're Real' + Too Faced 'Better Than Sex

Too Face 'Better Than Sex'
Dare I say that this mascara is better than the suggested intimate activity? (haha!)
This mascara is absolutely amazing. While the name is somewhat controversial, its wand is the stuff of mascara wonders. The hourglass-shaped brush is covered in closely set bristles which pushes up and evenly coats each lash upon application. Offering major volume and thickness. this mascara can be worn by its self or layered over 'They're Real' for maximum effect.
$23, sephora.com

Sephora Outrageous Volume
While the quilted packaging makes this mascara a beautiful asset to your makeup bag, its lash power is what makes it a beauty staple. Its uniform plastic wand features thin compact bristles that evenly coat lashes with a single application. Its deep black and richly formulated texture makes this one of the darkest mascaras I've tired in quite sometime. Delicate enough for those with sensitive eyes, Outrageous delivers some serious volume and length.
$15, sephora.com

Layer options -- If you want added thickness, add a coat of YSL 'Shocking' over a single coat of Outrageous Volume. 

YSL Shocking
The name says it all -- this mascara holds quite the shock factor. Featuring a slightly elongated brush, this mascara really adds some drama to lashes. The ultra smooth, silky formula makes it easy to layer and gives lashes both length and thickness without looking clumpy and stiff.
$30, nordstrom.com

Givenchy Noir Couture
I saved the best for last. Much like their couture collections, Givenchy beauty continues to push the envelope. A long time fan of their Phenomen'Eyes mascara, I was over the moon when I tried Givenchy's Noir Couture mascara. All while curling and lifting, this extraordinary product features a unique triple sphere shaped wand that add intense volume to lashes. This mascara is a lash superstar as it tackles each area of fullness and improves the look and texture of lashes with extended use (lash booster expert complex). Noir Couture is my absolutely favorite product for full fluttery lashes.
$32, sephora.com 

Which mascaras do you love most? Let me know in the comments below.




Sunday Styles -- Black and White Classics

Sweater: Zara (old) | Skirt:  via Variazioni NYC |
Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Collection | Shoes: Vintage 
Bangle: Lulu Frost | Watch: Michael Kors

Ok, ok, you caught me -- a couple of my Sunday Styles posts have been going live after Sunday. These past two weeks have been a bit crazed (we've all been there!). Back to scheduled programming, promise! 

Onto business .. 
Black and white ensembles always seem to go well together. There is something about this combination that reads chic regardless of season. For this Spring look of the day, I opted for a full skirt (such a beautiful embroidered silk!) and sweet sweater adorned with delicate bows.

Hope you all had a great weekend! 






Spending The Morning with Dry Idea at Alice and Olivia

Friday, March 28, 2014




I was invited by the amazing Dry Idea team for a morning of shopping at Alice and Olivia (Bryant Park) and testing of their newest stain fighting deodorant.

Formulated in solid, Dry Idea’s latest Stain Clear deodorant is the perfect product to pair with black and dark hued garments. Unlike traditional solids, Stain Clear is features a unique active ingredient which allows the use of less wax. This breakthrough technology causes the product to go on clear and provides powerful sweat and odor production for up to 72 hours.
If you desire a deodorant that packs a stronger punch, Dry Idea has you covered with their clinical option. This noteworthy deodorant is formulated with micro advanced technology which immediately goes to work the moment it is applied to skin. Offering the greatest wetness efficacy, Dry Idea’s Clinical option is an exceptional multifaceted product that protects and truly works.
Continue Reading Here










Style Sundays - Peach Florals

Monday, March 24, 2014


Trench via Variazioni | Dress: H&M (old) | Bag: Vintage
Shoes: C.Wonder | Sunnies: Kenneth Cole Collection
Nails: Zoya 'Neely'


We officially welcomed Spring this past week but NYC completely missed the memo.
While this breezy cold is like an awful party guest that never wants to leave, New York luckily had one semi warm day this past week (warm for New York standards) which was lovely.

Despite the high wind gusts, I threw on one of my fave spring dresses sans tights and paired it with a thicker trench for a little added warmth.





Dial A Dilemma: The Best Beauty Tips To Make Your Eyes Look Bigger

Sunday, March 16, 2014




A dear friend of mine approached me recently with a beauty dilemma that is all too common for us girls --
How do I make my eyes look bigger with makeup?




While we all have different eye shapes, strategically placing eye shadow and a liner can make eyes seem larger and more awake. From shimmer to color -- I've compiled a list of the top universal beauty tips to make your appear larger and brighter.

Liner
Too much dark liner on the upper lash line and water line and close up the eye. Opt for a white or nude colored pencil when lining your waterline. The light color will open the eye and give the eyes a widening effect. This trick also works well for the tired mornings where your eyes feel like they need a little boost.

Shadow
Skip the dark shades -- Like the liner, a dark smokey eye can make eyes appear smaller. Dark colors essentially make the lids look smaller and can become overwhelming.

Light shadows -- Choose shadows in lighter tones and contour a light brown color onto the outer corner/crease (different eye shapes require different blending techniques).

Additionally, take a champagne/gold shimmered shadow and apply it to the tear duct area. Applying a light, shimmery color allows the eyes to look brighter and bigger. You can take the same shimmery tone and blend into the center of the lids for an added effect.

Line/Mascara -- With an angled brush, swipe a chocolate brown shadow under the lower lash line. Keeping the color neatly along the lower lash line widens the eyes further. Finish with mascara and you're good to go.

Bobbi Brown (Sunlight) | NARS Cosmetics (Rue Bonaparte) |




Images: Elle Ukraine, Sephora 

Style Sundays: Poppy Spring Colors






Top: French Connection | Dress: Vince Camuto | Shoes: J.Crew
Watch: Michael Kors | Bag: Kate Spade (Classic Quinn, Similar)|
Link Bracelet: Kenneth Jay Lane |
Bangles: J.Crew 



NYFW Costello Tagliapietra FW 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014

THE MATTE NAIL IS BACK! There is something about a matte manicure that instantly transforms any ordinary color to extraordinary. The cool effect that always reads chic made it debut back stage at Costello Tagliapietr’s Fall/Winter 2014 show.


New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014
Designer: Costello Tagliapietra
Manicurist: Julie Kandalec
Brand: Essie

Inspired by their favorite fantasy& Sci-Fi heroines, the dynamic duo behind Costello created a modern collection detailing the story of power and strength. Using gorgeous metallic fabrics (swoon!) in unexpected shades made the collection pop on the runway. To compliment this futuristic collection, lead manicurist, Julie Kandalec opted for a deep berry-colored Essie shade with a matte finish.

Here’s how you can get the killer manicure yourself:

Prep – As always, make sure clean and filed nails are properly primed for color. Julie opted for Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat.

Color – Once fully dried, Julie applied two coats of Essie Berry Naughty, a rich berry shade that is just perfect for the season.


Finish – To get that gorgeous matte finish, Julie coated nails with a final coat on Essie Matte About You



Images: Essie

NYFW Tess Giberson FW 2014

Tess Giberson’s latest collection features pieces calling the name of every chic, tough girl around. The dark colors and interesting fabrics made for a perfect collection for the edgy girl that wants to dress up a bit.

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2014
Designer: Tess Giberson
Makeup Artist: Dick Page
Brand: Shiseido

In contrast to the collection, the beauty look created by Dick Page for Shiseido was fresh and youthful. “She’s a girl comfortable living outdoors, very fresh looking,” says Dick.  He was inspired by outdoor elements, camping and a prairie touch. The result was a freshly flushed cheek, minimal eyes and fresh, clean skin.

Here are the products Dick used to achieve this delicate look:

Face -- Cheeks were kept as the focal point of the face and skin was kept clean. To achieve that perfect flush, Dick blended Shiseido Lacquer Rough (To Launch Fall 2014) Rose Grey atop Viola.

Eyes -- For that perfect “haze of color” he blended Shiseido Cream Eye Color in Shovu, Sable and Leather with Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment.


Lips – The perfect pink pout was essential to the look. To get that perfect subtle hint color, Dick used Shiseido Lacquer Rouge in Ophelia (To Launch Fall 2014) 


Images: Shiseido 

A Decade of Rosy Lips: By Terry's Baume de Rose Celebrates 10 Years

Thursday, February 6, 2014


Becoming a fast favorite by many, By Terry's Baume de Rose has been the leading lip balm choice since its launch a decade ago. The delicate rose scented silky balm not only transforms lips but is a go-to product for nourishing nails. In honor of its tenth year anniversary, this ultra-glamorous, super hydrating creamy pink balm is dressed in new packaging.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Baume de Rose is the perfect give for you or you bestie!
Hydrating, beautifully scented and a major multitasker, what's no to love? 




Images: By Terry, Barneys 

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