Victoria Beckham x Skype -- The Insider Exclusive

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Since her days as a sassy Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham as been seen as a fashion icon of sorts. From her recognizable pout to her high heels, Victoria not only as made her mark in fashion but continues to thrill the fashion industry time and time again. 




Not only has she successfully shed her Posh Spice image but VBecks has flourished as a massively successful fashion designer. Her classic and elegant designs first walked the runway five years ago. Since her initial presentation, Victoria's beautifully creative vision, true inspirations and love for fashion design have been evident in each following collection. 





Five Years - The Victoria Beckham Fashion Story

In a collaborative effort, VBecks has joined forces with Skype to create a visual project that documents a side of Victoria Beckham's design efforts that has never before been seen. The short films follow Victoria and gets not only a behind the scenes look at her label and team but captures her personal take on the industry and designing. The viewer gets to see Victoria in a different light, one of a dreamer that exceptionally executed her vision with equal parts hard work and passion. 


As a fan of hers since the Posh days, this project is a must-see for me and really for anyone who appreciates the fashion industry or a successful tale of a hard worker. 



Will you be watching these lovely short films? 
Let me know your thoughts! 



The Ultimate Review of The Conair Curl Secret

Wednesday, January 29, 2014



Finally gave the innovative and much talked about Conair Curl Secret a try and here is what I found -- Read Me

Nail Report - Red Carpet Celebrity Manicures at 2014 Grammy Awards

Monday, January 27, 2014


Celebrities poured onto the red carpet at Sunday's Grammy Awards sporting some beautiful looks and stylish beauty choices. While the biggest night in music usually brings out artists' more creative sides, this year was a pleasant collection of modern metallic tones, interesting fabrics, and chic hairstyles. Additionally, red carpet favorites displayed most of their personalities on their nails. From gel to pretty polish, Celebrity Manicurist Kimmie Kyees created fabulous manicures on some notable artists of the night.

Katy Perry stunned in a light and lovely pale Valentino gown appropriately adorned with delicate musical notes. The pretty star opted for a polished up-do and radiant beauty look that highlighted her eyes and gleaming skin. Keeping the full look light, Kimme decided to pair a pretty pink polish on her nails. Choosing COVERGIRL Oulast Nail Gloss in Everbloom, the light pink perfectly tied up the whole look without stealing the show.



Alternatively, Pink opted for a layered manicure. A fellow COVERGIRL spokesmodel, Pink dazzled in red Johanna Johnson dress and paired it with a more toned down manicure. For  this look, Kimme layered two COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss polishes to create a perfect pinky nude. Started with the initial layer of color, Kimme applied 'Forever Fawn' on Pink's nails. For the topper shade, she chose 'Natural Blush' a sweet pale shade. Finish with you favorite top coat and you have yourself picture perfect, elegant nails.



For a more dramatic and lasting approach, Kimme decided on a more modern look for singer Leona Lewis. Sporting a chic, body-hugging black cutout dress, Leona wanted something a little more creative for her nails. Using Red Carpet Manicure's gel polishes, Kimme created a fun color-blocked manicure that set well her full ensemble.



Kimme polished Leona's nails in two coats of 'White Hot' and divided the nail into three sections with striper brush in shade 'Black Stretch Limo'. Once sectioned, Kimme filled the side partitions in the black polish. The final look was both modern and fun.

Would you try out these pretty styles for your next manicure? 


Images: Getty, Instagram

Currently Loving - Blue Tones

Friday, January 24, 2014

As you know, I'm a girl that prefers warm tones when it comes to beauty products. Bronzes, warm golds and sultry brown hues are my absolute favorite. While I do love a great neutral eye shadow palette, I still pick up beautiful colors that look lovely in the pan.

I have racked up quite a collection of green and blue toned eye shadows that I use as accent shades (liner, blended on lower lash line, etc) but unfortunately these lovely colors rarely see the light of day. During my early college years, blue tones came out to play quite frequently, but I quickly realized that they just weren't for me. However, I still love a great blue smoky eye when done right. 

I was re-inspired to try this cool toned shade after Lupita Nyong'o sported those beautiful ocean blue Chanel shadows (LES 4 OMBRES QUADRA EYESHADOW in Fascination) at the SAG Awards this past week.



If that wasn't enough to pull me back in, accent blues were the premier color for the beauty look at Versace's couture presentation earlier this week.  The sleek shade perfectly highlighted and modernized the soft smoky brown eye look I so dearly love. 


Of course this beautiful color immediately influenced my nail color of the week. Dipping into my nail polish collection, I reached for Jin Soon's 'Blue Iris' -- easily one of the most gorgeous colors of blue that can ever be. It's vibrant and rich yet subtle and compliments all skin tones.While the color looks stunning in the bottle, I was scared that the shade wouldn't translate well on my nails. Thankfully, the color is just as beautiful, if not more when applied on nails. True to Jin Soon's superb quality, the polish is still on, free of chips and the glossy finish is still shining. 


Along with polish, jewelry dressed in the royal shade have also been in heavy rotation! 



Would you try this luxe shade for you next manicure? 

Beauty Report - Couture Week Spring 2014

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

There is really nothing like couture fashion shows. The one of a kind pieces, the fantastical elements, the stunning work and looks – everything about it reads perfection. Along with masterpieces that walk down the runway, I always look forward to the creative beauty looks that pair with each collection.

As a fan of dramatic liner and a great smoky eye, I was pleased to see some of the looks incorporated my beauty faves. From lips to eyes and every beauty bit in between, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite looks at Paris Couture Week 

Chanel
Makeup Artist Peter Phillips aimed for a look that not only stood out in with the lightness but was both elegant and couture. To achieve the sparkling and chic look, Peter kept the focus and radiance at the eyes and kept the face matte. I absolutely love the glittered line along the lower lash line and the major lashes. I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love an extra coat of mascara. (Then again, that just may be the Queens girl in me!)



Giorgio Armani Prive
The eyes were dressed in a silvery grey smoky eye look. Additionally, eye were heavily rimed in a dark black kohl to frame the sulty and modern take on this traditional style. Keeping both the eyes and strong brows the focal point of the over look, skin was kept pale and matte.



Giambatista Valli
Oh the graphic liner! This season was all about drama and dramatic winged out liner for the Valli crew.  Makeup Artist Val Garland freshened up this simple yet statement making look by pairing the strong eye look with dewy skin. To finish the look, he coated models’ lips in a pretty, delicate nude tone.



Christian Dior

And while I loved the dramatic looks, there was something about Pat McGrath’s simple and beautifully classic beauty look that had me at the first take. While using minimal face products (powder, foundation, concealer), Pat enhanced eyes with a soft nude-toned brown and highlighted lips with bold color. Avoiding a harsh look with strong matte lipstick or color, Pat  lightly glided a bold, creamy red color onto selected models’ lips whilst others sported a sheer balm. This fresh look perfectly complimented the classic designs of the collection. 



Which looks are you loving this season?


Images: Style.com

Get The Look - Claire Danes at The 2014 SAG Awards

Sunday, January 19, 2014




Celebrity: Claire Danes
Makeup ArtistMatin Maulawizada
Brand: Laura Mercier 

Claire Danes glided down the red carpet of the SAG Awards last night in a stunning Vionnet gown. While the seasoned starlet stunned in the shimmery number, it was her romantic smoky makeup look that truly made the full look outstanding. 

Global Brand Ambassador for Laura Mercier, Matin Maulawizada was inspired by the glimmering 1980s and the blue smoky tones that were signature to the decade. Using an array of Laura Mercier's fabulous products, Matin created a look that I will surely recreate in the near future. 

Beginning with skincare, Matin detailed the full look below: 

Prep (skincare) -- Properly prepping and hydrating the skin is essential in any beauty look. Matin began by moisturizing skin with Laura Mercier Mega Moisturizing Creme SPF 15 (Normal/Combination Skin) and a blend of Laura Mercier Repair Eye Serum & Repair Eye Cream. Once properly hydrated, Matin massaged Claire's face with Laura's Foundation Primer. Not only does this relax the skin and offer a bit of a spa touch, but layering a light primer under foundation allows for a more even canvas. 

Face -- For an even complexion, Matin applied Laura Mercier's Creme Smooth Foundation (Sunny Beige) onto skin, slightly contouring the face as he blended. To bring out Claire's skin's natural radiance, he blended the same product in Warm Ivory

Cheeks -- For perfectly flushed sun-kissed cheeks, Matin blended Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color (Rosebud) and concentrated a touch of the same product in Sunrise to the apple of the cheeks. To bring out the cheekbones, her ran Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder (Highlight 01) along the tops of her cheeks. 

To set the skin, a light dusting of Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (Universal) was applied. 

Eyes -- For the modernized and sexy take on the smoky eye, Matin began by lining Claire's lash line with Laura Mercier Creme Eye Liner (Cobalt). For the bold shadow, layering color was key. He applied Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour (Smoke) all over the lid. In the same fashion, he layered Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour (Mystical). For the third and final layer of color, Matin applied Laura Mercier Satin Matte Eye Colour (Dark Spirit). 

For an added dimension of drama, Matin dusted Claire's lids in a light layer of loose, blue glitter. While the actual product was unavailable, Matin suggests using Laura Mercier Sequin Eye Colour in Lapis for a similar look. 

Finally, Claire's lashes were coated in Laura Mercier Long Lash Mascara (Bleu) to accentuate her lashes/eyes. 

Lips-- To get the perfect pout, Matin swiped Claire's lips in Laura Mercier Lip Plumper in Pink Pearl for a perfect glamorous touch. 

The perfect way to sport a blue toned smoky eye look, Matin masterfully created a look that is both elegant and wearable. Would you try this look at home?

Get The Look - Drew Barrymore at The 2014 Golden Globes

Monday, January 13, 2014


Celebrity: Drew Barrymore
Hairstylist: John D.
Brand: TRESemmé 

The ever-beautiful and glowing Drew Barrymore sparkled in a ultra-feminine and sweet Monique Lhuillier gown at last night's Golden Globe Awards. Must like her colorful gown, the chic starlet chose to keep her hair sleek and beauty look light and airy. Celebrity hairstylist, John D. expertly styled Drew's hair which looked soft to the touch and shined beautifully. Using must-have TRESemme products, John details how to get this look in just a few simple steps.

Prep -- liberally sprtiz towel-dry hair with a thermal heat protectant spay (TRESemme Creations Heat Tamer Spray). Make sure to comb hair through to ensure even distribution of product. 

Style -- using a flat boar bristle paddle brush, blow out hair. Using this type of brush allows enough tension on each sectioned piece of hair which allows for smoother and more lustrous strands. Once fully dry, run a straightening iron (on a low-to-medium setting) to seal hair and amplify the shine factor. 

Finishing Touches -- part hair down the side and tuck behind ears. Tame flyaways and ensure a smooth partition by applying a bit of mousse to finger tips and running product along hair. For added smoothness and shine, John recommends lightly coating hair in a hair creme. Focus on ends of hair to seal the overall look. 

This sleek and easy to wear hair feels low-maintenance yet chic enough to sport at your next fete. While I personally haven't straightened my hair for years, Drew's look just may push me to try this look once again. What your thoughts on this look?  

Get The Look - Lena Dunham at The Golden Globes



Celebrity: Lena Dunham
Makeup ArtistJo Strettell
Brand: Temptu 

Check out all her beauty details here!

Get The Look - Amy Adams at The Golden Globes


Celebrity: Amy Adams 
Makeup Artist: Stephen Sollitto 
Brands: Laura Mercier

American Hustle star, Amy Adams wowed all in a stunning red Valentino number last night at the Golden Globes. Although her dress was stunning on its own, Amy's chic complimentary 1970's inspired beauty look made it that much more beautiful. Makeup artist Stephen Sollitto took a note from Golden Globe Nominee's film and opted for a healthy-glowing fresh face -- the focus of the look. 

Stephen provided the step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look. 

Face 

Prep -- the skin was the focal point of the look so properly hydrating and prepping the skin was key. The evening before, Stephen primed the skin with ReVive's Moisturizing Renewal Cream Retexturizing Hydrator and ReVive's Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator after cleansing the skin. 

Foundation -- skin had to be flawless and fresh so Stephen opted for Laura Mercier's Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide (to launch FALL 2014) as Amy's foundation. Not only is the formula long-wearing and oil free but also light on skin. “This foundation goes on easily but the finish is very polished. The best thing is that is gives you a matte finish so you don't have to dust your face with loose powder. It's built in, simple and genius," he says. 

Glow -- for the 70's glow, lightly dust Laura Mercier Bronzing Pressed Powder (Matte Bronze). Follow with Laura Mercier's Creme Cheek Color (Praline) blended onto cheeks with your fingers. 

Eyes -- for the neutral look with the hint of color, Stephen dusts Laura Mercier's Baked Eye Color (Ballet Pink) on the lid. Follow by sweeping Laura Mercier's Baked Eye Color (Terracotta) along the the lash line, pulling color upwards as your reach the outer corner. For the added pop, her chose to line Amy's upper lash line and outer corner of her lower lash line with Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick Color in Plum. Finish with dotting Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Stick Color in Sugar Frost in the corners of the eyes. 

Lashes -- Finally, apply Dior Diorshow Blackout Mascara to both upper and lower lashes. 

This fresh, bronze look perfectly complimented her dramatic red gown. Would you give this look a try? Let me know and tweet or instagram me a picture @AmnaAnn & I'll perhaps feature your take on this look! 

Get The Look - Kate Beckinsale at The 2014 Golden Globes


Celebrity: Kate Beckinsale
Hairstylist: Sascha Breuer
Products: Moroccan Oil 


To set off her beautifully intricate Zuhair Murad couture gown, Sascha took an edgier approach to Kate's otherwise romantic hairstyle. 

"With her wholesome, English rose good looks, Kate can get away with quite a bit of edginess in her hairstyle, so we went with a punk-inspired diva look that's a bit different from her usual soft flowing waves," says Sascha. 

Here's how to get this lovely look yourself: 

Tools -- Blow dryer, skeleton brush, elastic hair ties, bobby pins

Prep -- Start with damp hair and liberally spray Moroccan Oil's Root Boost directly on the roots of hair. Not only with this give phenomenal boy but will also provide a great base for manageable hair styling. 

Blow Out -- Using the skeleton brush, blow dry hair and use fingers to create texture and additional volume. Once dry, separate hair into a deep "U" shape (grabbing hair from temples and lifting up crown of hair). Once gathered, clip section neatly into a clip. 

Styling -- Using an elastic, pull remaining hair into a low side ponytail that sits on the nape of the neck. Coil and wrap the tail into a messy bun. Sascha suggests to pull delicate pieces of hair out of the bun to the give the illusion of hair naturally falling and loosens the bun. Make sure to secure with bobby pins. 

Top Styling -- Release the clipped section of hair and back comb at the roots. Moroccan Oil's Boar Bristle Teasing Brush expertly maximizes volume and provides an extra dimension of texure. 

Finishing Touches -- For added shined and manageable long-lasting hold, mist hair with Moroccan Oil Luminous Hairspray.  For more control application -- spritz product onto fingers tips and apply to where it's needed. Secure look with extra bobby pins for maximum hold and you're done. 

A beautiful look that doesn't require much work, Kate Beckinsale's stunning up-do is certainly worth a go. Will you try this look on yourself? Let me know and tweet or instagram me a picture @AmnaAnn & I'll perhaps feature your take on this look! 



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