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ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Sticks: Easy, Long-Lasting Eye Makeup

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Eye shadows have been a key element of makeup for over a century.  They first became available to consumers in 1910 with basic colors like brown, gray and black which were commonly applied with brushes or fingers. Since then, eye shadow has been a constantly evolving product with trends going from matte to shimmer, bright colors to muted tones and highly pigmented to very sheer.

Over the years, a variety of trends have come and gone from unblended creases with white highlights in the 60s to shimmering blues and greens in the 70s to dramatic yellows and purples in the 80s.  What’s really exciting is that we now live in an “anything goes” era where influencers and artists are wearing and applying styles from every era of history.  There’s nothing off limits.  The only challenge to this liberation is that many people are at a loss as to which styles will work best for their own individual looks.  This is probably because eye shadow isn’t as simple of a product to use as lipstick.

For makeup artists and consumers alike, eye shadow has always been a product that requires a bit more skill to apply.  You have to understand the principles of light and dark and you must have a steady hand to apply it smoothly so it doesn’t go on looking blotchy or overdone.  Some common laments we hear from those who aren’t comfortable with eye shadow are “I don’t want to look like I have a black eye.”, “I don’t know where to put each color.”, “How do I keep it from coming off?” and “Which brush should I use for what?”

The truth is consumers worldwide are still looking for easier ways to do eye shadow. So, it’s not surprising that the new ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Stickshave been one of the most well received products of 2024.  Let’s look at why these innovative tools have been such a success:

The ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Sticks are a fresh take on shadow technology with a well curated assortment of matte and shimmer tones in a variety of depths and hues. The creamy formula goes on and blends out quickly and easily before drying down to a powder finish that lasts for hours.  Its ease of application makes it user friendly for even the most amateur of consumers.  It also provides the versatility of being used in three different formats:  as a shadow, a liner or an eye shadow base that can be layered with other products.

Eyeshadow Stick Application

  • One Single Color – Can be used as an all over eye shadow that will look beautiful whether using a shimmer for a luminous look or a matte for a softer, more natural look.
  • Multiple Colors – Can be placed in different areas of the eyes and then blended together for multidimensional looks.
  • Application Tools – Can be used such as eye shadow brushes and concealer brushes. They can also be applied directly to the eyes and blended out with fingers.

Eyeshadow as an Eyeliner

  • Deeper tones such as Americano, Midnightor Ivycan be sharpened and used for defined lining or tight lining. The product can then be smudged out with a brush.
  • Lighter tones such as Alabasteror Moonstonecan be applied to the inner water line for a brighter, more open appearance.

Eyeshadow as an Eye Base

  • Any depth can be used all over the eye and then layered with powder eye shadows for more intense looks that last for hours. Here are a few options:
    • Ultra Nude – Start with Saddleas an eye base and then apply Sweet SpotPurePressed Eye Shadow Triple on top for a rich finish.
    • Soft Glam – Start with Roséas an eye base and then apply Pink Quartz PurePressed Eye Shadow Triple on top for a luminous finish.
    • Smoky Intense – Start with Dove Grey as an eye base and then apply Blue HourPurePressed Eye Shadow Triple on top for a dramatic finish.

Best Eye Shadow for Each Eye Color

Many people wonder which colors work best for their eye color.  The truth is, all of the colors are incredibly versatile but if you want to get maximum impact based on your eye color, we recommend the following guidelines:

How to Apply Eyeshadow on Mature Skin

Our more mature consumers have asked if there are any restrictions on use for mature eyes.  The answer is no, there are no restrictions!  The ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Stick has beautiful optic diffusion and it does not bring out wrinkles or texture.  If you want to minimize texture, use the more matte shades in places like the inner corner of the eye or the brow bone.

Finally, don’t forget to use the sharpener at the end of the stick if you want to get a finer point for more specific applications.  But when you sharpen, always clean the sharpener afterwards to keep it from getting messy.  Don’t press too hard when sharpening as the product is very soft.  Sanitize the pencil and the sharpener with alcohol or submerse the sharpener in a bowl of water and wash it.

We know you’re going to love using the new ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Sticks.  Please post pictures of your results and tag us!   We look forward to seeing your beautiful faces!

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Hair Serum – OLAPLEX Inc.

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Key Takeaways

  • Hair serums are leave-in styling products that help smooth your hair and protect it from damage.
  • Try a hair serum like N°.9 Bond Protector for protection from heat damage, plus smoother and softer hair.
  • Scalp serums like Nº.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment go directly on the scalp to protect the scalp barrier and support a balanced microbiome.

Jump to

You might take pride in your skincare routine, but what about your haircare routine? From serums to moisturizers, step-by-step haircare routines are just as important as your skincare regimen, and with OLAPLEX®, they can actually make your hair visibly healthier and smoother. Serums are the holy grail of skincare, and haircare serums that provide heat protection and soothe the scalp like OLAPLEX Nº.9 Bond Protector and Nº.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment can become star players in your haircare routine.

What Is a Hair Serum?

Hair serums are lightweight styling products that envelope hair strands and are designed to:

  • Shine and smooth the hair
  • Combat dryness and frizz
  • Protect against damage, like heat
  • Minimize tangles and knots

Hair Serums to Add to Your Haircare Routine

Once you start using a hair serum, you’ll wonder why you didn’t use one earlier. Here are two OLAPLEX hair and scalp serums to try:

OLAPLEX Nº.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum

When OLAPLEX created a serum, it was important to provide potent results and protection that care for the hair’s integrity. Nº.9’s weightless and silicone-free formula includes many skincare ingredients, like antioxidant-rich red algae extract. If you’re looking for a serum for heat protection and multiple styling benefits, you’ll love Nº.9. The benefits of Nº.9 include:

  • Protection from heat damage (up to 450°F)
  • Prevents tangles and static
  • Improved style retention
  • Satin shine


When you apply Nº.9, start with a small amount and work upward from the ends of your hair to your roots. You can use a little more serum if you have longer, thicker hair. Nº.9 may be used alone, or combine it with Nº.6 Bond Smoother® for frizz control and/or OLAPLEX Nº.7 Bonding Oil™ for brilliant shine. Style your hair as usual. You can air-dry your hair for a soft texture, or blow-dry it for a smooth finish. Diffuse your hair if you have curly hair or waves.

Nº.0.5 Scalp Longevity Treatment

Did you know that healthy hair begins at the scalp? If you don’t use a scalp serum, you might want to start. Nº.0.5 is a weightless scalp treatment that’s gentle enough for daily use and works to protect hair health. Try Nº.05 to:

  • Protect your scalp barrier and maintain a balanced microbiome
  • Hydrate and soothe the scalp
  • Promote shiny, soft, and visibly healthy hair


Nº.0.5 also contains Patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™ to re-link disulfide bonds within keratin to strengthen the scalp barrier. It also contains ceramides, a common skincare ingredient that helps hydrate a dry scalp.

Use this serum to nourish your scalp before styling wet hair or as an overnight treatment on dry hair. To use this scalp serum:

  1. Part your hair at the scalp in sections.
  2. Apply the serum directly to the scalp.
  3. Massage thoroughly to ensure proper absorption.


Serums are a simple way to visibly improve your scalp and hair health. Find out more about how to take care of your scalp and what factors can affect your scalp health.

Sources

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-use-hair-serum

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5551307/

The Frugality X Simone Brewster matchboxes

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It’s that time of year – our new matchbox collab has landed!

Two years in the making (not that we’re perfectionists or anything!) and we are so proud of these.

The Frugality x Simone Brewster matches: £9.50, The Frugality Shop. This is our own product.

We started chatting over two years ago and are so excited to have Simone Brewster onboard for our second matchbox artist collaboration. Simone is a London-based artist and designer who creates large scale, statement, sculptural furniture, objets d’art, and jewellery. As part of the African Diaspora, her work marries the European influences of her education with an aesthetic understanding of her Caribbean heritage, bridging the gap between these two histories.

This post contains some affiliate links

This matchbox design is based on artwork originally created with inks and acrylic on paper and canvas, these expressly abstracted paintings conjure the beauty and complexity of the female form and psyche.

The original artwork, courtesy of Simone Brewster

These matches are made from 350gsm card with long turquoise tipped black matchsticks and signature double strike.

And just to say a big thank you to everyone for supporting what we do! When I told people I was launching matchboxes a few years ago, I got some strange looks! But it really is such a joy creating a product I want to buy and use, as well as produce them sustainably and ethically. Hopefully more to come! Shop matchboxes and meal planners here.

Organic Grass Fed Beef (Benefits + Buying Guide)

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I am so happy with the organic grass fed beef brands I have found!

Organic, grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised, the labels can be dizzying and confusing. Labels and certifications are a form of marketing so in an effort to be a savvy consumer, we need to know what these labels mean.

In today’s post, I’m honing in on organic, grass-fed beef, because there are so many benefits when you can identify truly clean, nutritionally-dense beef. Plus, it’s one of my favorite foods and I eat it on a daily basis!

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product.

I love having a stock of organic grass fed beef in my freezer!

What Is Organic Grass Fed Beef?

Organic grass-fed beef is meat from cattle that graze on open pastures with a diet consisting primarily of grass, hay, or other organic feed and haven’t been given antibiotics, hormones, or synthetic chemicals.

Does Organic Beef Mean Grass Fed?

No, just because meat is labeled organic does not mean the cattle were grass-fed. A grass-fed diet is grass and forage instead of grains. An organic certification indicates that the cattle were never given antibiotics or synthetic hormones and were given organic feed which could be grass and forage but it could also be organic grains which many times are given to cattle to fatten them up before processing.

What Is The Difference Between Grass Fed And Organic Beef?

Grass-Fed

The grass-fed standard signifies a more natural diet. This means that cattle graze primarily on grass and forage but those pastures may not be chemical-free. Antibiotics and hormones may also be given to the cattle.

Organic

The organic standard signifies clean, chemical-free cattle. This means that cattle are not given antibiotics or synthetic hormones, and they feed on organic grass, forage, but also organic grains or grain-finished.

Organic Grass-Fed

This is the gold standard. The cattle are not only pasture-raised meaning they feed on organic grass and forage, but the cattle are not treated with antibiotics or synthetic hormones.

Related Content: Best Organic Coffee

Organic Grass Fed Beef
There are so many benefits to eating organic grass fed and finished beef!

Is Organic Grass Fed Beef Good For You

Omega-3 fatty acids

Grass-fed beef has up to 5x more omega-3s than grain-fed beef.

Higher in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)

A healthy fat that is linked to improved metabolism, cardiovascular health, and reduced inflammation.

Antioxidant-rich

Higher levels of vitamins A and E, plus glutathione and other antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress.

Leaner protein

Typically lower in total fat and calories per serving than grain-fed beef.

No antibiotics or synthetic hormones

Reduces risk of antibiotic resistance and unnecessary hormone exposure.

No chemical pesticides

Grass and forage is organically grown.

Easier to digest

Some people find grass-fed beef easier to digest, especially those sensitive to grain-fed meat.

Plainview Beef
I recently discovered Plainview Beef – they are next level in all things they do!

Where To Buy Organic Grass Fed Beef

Primal Pastures, Plainview Beef, Grass Roots Farmers Co-op and U.S. Wellness Meats are not certified organic, however, they maintain standards that surpass organic standards.

Another great option is to find a local farmer and buy a ¼ or ½ cow yearly.  We’ve done this as well and love always having meat in our freezer.  It’s also a huge savings as you pay the same price for a steak as you would ground beef because you pay per pound.  It’s half the cost you would pay in stores. Check your local natural Facebook groups, local Co-ops or ask farmers if they know of anyone who does this in your area.

Primal Pastures
If you are looking for more than just beef, check out Primal Pastures!
  • Primal Pastures– This is next level meat, they offer chicken, pork, beef and fish.  I love getting chicken from them because it’s free of soy, corn and even their feed they give the chickens is made from olive oil, not a seed oil.  This is impossible to find!  I’ve asked and researched around.  Primal Pastures is truly doing it right- no corners are being cut.
  • Plainview Beef– Use code: GURLGONEGREEN for $50 off any order of $350 or more. I discovered Plainview this spring and have been so impressed with their process and how they are doing things differently.  They really are taking grass-fed meat and being able to put it on a large scale while still being regenerative.  They do beef only and it tastes amazing!  The flavor is unlike anything I’ve had.  You won’t be disappointed!
  • U.S. Wellness Meats– I haven’t ordered from them in a while, but they do offer so many meat options and it’s all a cut above what you would find in the grocery store.
  • Grass Roots Farmers Co-op Use code: SUZI for 15% off. I order off and on from Grass Roots because they have some amazing sales and they’re a little more budget friendly than some of the above options.  I typically will buy chicken from them.  I like that you can scan the QR code and know what farm you are getting your meat from.
  • Eel River Organic Beef at Whole Foods– This is a great option if you have a Whole Foods around you.  They are organic and grass-fed and finished beef.
  • Organic Rancher at Whole Foods– Another great organic, grass-fed option at Whole Foods.
  • Thrive Market– If you are a Thrive Member you can get some great grass-fed beef online.

Where to you buy your organic grass fed beef? If I missed your favorite, share below!

If you liked this post, check out these pasts posts:

Beautykinguk: SINCLAIR MEZZO WATCH

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I have a bit of a thing for watches, ever since my beloved Bvlgari watch died after a fall from height I’ve tried numerous different watches from an array of brands and none of them have felt quite right. The latest watch to my collection was kindly gifted to me via Trendhim, a website which designs quality men’s accessories that are fashionable and affordable. They currently have 13 brands within their portfolio and offer everything from suit accessories and wallets to Jewellery and watches.
I chose the Sinclair Mezzo Watch (£69) which features a Danish design and it features a Japanese Quartz movement.  I was drawn to it because of the watch face, a design that I haven’t come across before and I also liked the look of the watch strap too.
SINCLAIR MEZZO WATCH
SINCLAIR MEZZO WATCH

Made of Stainless Steel for the strap, the watch also features a Zinc Alloy Case. With regards to the dimensions, the strap is 2cm wide with the face diameter being 4cm.  The watch face itself is quite plain, the brand name quite clearly positioned at the top, but the only numbers visible sit in the middle of the face, at first, I thought this was a sticker, but it is in fact part of the design and around it, the hands work their round, so it is still easy to tell the time, without the numbers.

I like that this watch is one which could be worn for any occasion, not that we have been out much since the lockdown came into play, but it works just as well with formal attire as it does with the casual.  The watch is also really lightweight, you barely register that it is on your wrist, which for me is another plus.

For £69, this watch is beautifully designed and made, it fits snug to my wrist without being too tight and I think I made a really good choice of watch. As an added extra when making a purchase, you can also choose whether or not to engrave your watch, add gift wrapping and even swap the box it is presented in to something a little more hard wearing too.


A lovely comfortable watch, it looks great and won’t read the bank.


RECOMMENDED


The Must-Have Natural Lash Curl for Lash Artists — EBLLashes

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Lash extensions have become a game-changer in the beauty industry, offering clients the ability to customize their look from natural elegance to dramatic volume. But not every client wants extreme lift—some prefer a soft, natural curl that enhances their beauty effortlessly.

That’s where B Curl lash extensions come in.

For lash artists and professionalshaving a variety of lash curls is essential to meeting different client needs. B Curl lashes are the perfect choice for clients who want a natural yet refined enhancement. If you’re not already offering B Curl extensionsnow is the time to add them to your lash collection.

What Are B Curl Lashes?

B Curl lash extensions have a gentle, natural-looking curl that follows the natural lash line. Unlike more dramatic curls like C Curl or D Curl, B Curl mimics the natural curve of real lashesmaking it ideal for clients who want a polished, everyday look.

B Curl vs. Other Lash Curls: What’s the Difference?

B Curl – A soft lift that enhances without being too dramatic. Perfect for a classic, natural style.
C Curl – A balanced curl that offers noticeable lift while still looking not too curly. CC Curl – The most well loved and best seller! It is the perfect mix between C and D Curl. Everyone is sure to love CC Curl.
D Curl – A dramatic lift that creates an open-eye effect, ideal for bold lash sets.
L+ Curl – Designed for downward-growing lashes, creating an extreme lift.

M Curl -Draws the lashes away from the face as well as gives a lifted effect.

B Curl is a must-have lash extension for artists who want to offer soft, natural enhancements that flatter a variety of clients

Why Lash Artists Need B Curl Lashes in Their Kit

Adding B Curl lash extensions to your inventory allows you to cater to a wider range of clients. Here’s why B Curl should be a staple in your lash collection:

Ideal for Clients Who Prefer a Natural Look – Not every client wants dramatic lashes. B Curl is perfect for those seeking a subtle, polished finish.
Great for Classic Lash Extensions – B Curl blends seamlessly with natural lashes for an effortless enhancement.
Perfect for Mature Clients – Older clients often prefer softer, more elegant lash styles over bold, dramatic curls.
Works for Professional Clients – Business professionals, corporate workers, and those in conservative environments often prefer natural lash extensions like B Curl.
Essential for Lash Mapping – Many lash artists use B Curl for inner corner lashes or to transition between C and D Curl in hybrid or volume lash sets.

By offering B Curl eyelash extensionsyou provide more versatility in your lash sets and increase client retention by meeting their styling preferences.

Who Are B Curl Lash Extensions Best For?

B Curl is a perfect choice for clients who:

Have straight or slightly downward-facing natural lashes – The gentle lift enhances the natural lash line without an exaggerated curl.
Prefer low-maintenance lash extensions – B Curl creates a soft, natural effect that requires minimal upkeep.
Are new to lash extensions – A subtle curl is great for first-time lash extension clients who want a conservative yet beautiful enhancement.
Need a seamless blend in hybrid or volume lash sets – Many lash technicians use B Curl in lash mapping techniques to transition between different curls.

Best Eye Shapes for B Curl Lashes

Choosing the right lash extension curl depends on a client’s eye shape. B Curl works best for:

Almond Eyes – Enhances the natural balance without altering the shape too much.
Downturned Eyes – Helps lift the outer corners slightly for a balanced look.
Hooded Eyes – A soft curl like B Curl enhances the lashes without overwhelming the lid space.
Close-Set Eyes – Used in the inner corners for a seamless, blended transition in lash mapping.

Best Face Shapes for B Curl Lashes

While lash curl choice is primarily based on natural lash growth and eye shapeit can also complement different face shapes:

Oval Faces – Naturally balanced; B Curl maintains a harmonious look.
Heart-Shaped Faces – Provides a soft, flattering touch to delicate features.
Square Faces – Helps balance strong angles with a subtle, refined lash look.

How to Apply B Curl Lashes for the Best Results

To get the best retention and most flattering look, lash artists should follow these expert tips when applying B Curl lashes:

1. Use B Curl for Natural Lash Mapping

  • For a full natural lookuse B Curl across the entire lash line.
  • For hybrid lash setsapply B Curl in the inner corners and transition to C or D Curl in the outer corners for a dimensional effect.

2. Choose the Right Length & Diameter

  • Lengths: 7mm to 14mm, depending on the client’s natural lashes.
  • Diameters: 0.10mm for classic sets, 0.03mm–0.07mm for volume fans.

3. Consider the Client’s Natural Lash Growth

  • If a client’s natural lashes grow slightly downwardB Curl adds just enough lift without looking unnatural.

4. Ideal for Classic & Hybrid Lash Extensions

  • Classic Lash Extensions: B Curl enhances the natural lash line without an over-the-top lift.
  • Hybrid Sets: Mixing B Curl with C Curl creates a perfect balance between natural and voluminous.

Where to Buy High-Quality B Curl Lash Extensions

At EBLwe know that lash artists need premium-quality lash extensions that are easy to apply, long-lasting, and consistently curled.

When you choose EBL’s B Curl lashesyou get:
Superior Curl Retention – Our lashes maintain their shape throughout the wear time.
Soft, Lightweight Material – Comfortable for clients and easy to apply for lash artists.
Professional-Grade Quality – Crafted for durability, longevity, and flawless application.
A Wide Range of Lengths & Diameters – Perfect for custom lash sets and professional lash mapping.

By offering high-quality B Curl extensionsyou give your clients a natural yet elegant option that keeps them coming back for more.

Final Thoughts: Add B Curl Lashes to Your Lash Collection Today

EBL professional B Curl lash extension tray featuring lightweight, soft lashes for classic and hybrid lash sets

As a professional lash artist, having the right curl options in your inventory is key to client satisfaction and business success. B Curl lashes are essential for creating soft, natural, and effortless lash extensions that cater to a wide range of clients.

If you’re looking to expand your services and elevate your lash artistryadding B Curl extensions from EBL is a smart choice.

Shop EBL’s B Curl Lash Extensions Today

Give your clients the perfect natural lash enhancement with B Curl lashes from EBL.

SHOP B CURL LASHES NOW

Here’s Our Updated City Guide – The Anna Edit

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We have some new gems to tell you about…

This post contains ad affiliate links (denoted by a ‘*’) & gifted items (denoted by ‘ad – gifted). You can read my full disclaimer here.

So this post is a little belated, but I thought it was better late than never! Last November we headed back to New York and just had a wonderful time. Not only were we treated to perhaps they best weather I’ve ever had there – not a cloud in the sky and unseasonal warmth that left us in light jackets! – we got the chance to revisit some of our favourite places that we hadn’t been to in years, and discover some new gems too. So it’s time to share!! If you’re new to my New York guides, then it might be best to start with my original post (although it’s from 2017 so a little outdated now!), my revised post from 2020 is more current, but the best way to browse all my recommendations is with this map that has been viewed a whooping 140,000 times! How mad is that?! It’s pretty helpful if I do say so myself and contains colour-coded guides for hotels, brunches, dinners, coffees, shopping, nightlife, sightseeing and more…

TRIP TAKEAWAYS:

The jet lag is killer – especially when your little one has reprogrammed you to start every single day at 6am. The latest we managed to sleep till was 5am on the final morning!! Hack this by leaning into it, booking early breakfasts and dinners and being in bed by like 9pm. Not the most glamorous, especially in the city that never sleeps – but we weren’t actually too jet lagged when we returned home.

You no longer need a metrocard for the subway! They accept Apple pay – you just tap in when you start a journey. The subway is still the best, cheapest and quickest way to get around.

I think I’m converted to staying in Williamsburg. I really love the neighbourhood vibe and the restaurants there are incredible – I never felt like we were missing out by not being based in Manhattan. It just suits the stage of life that we’re in right now (although if I visited with my girlfriends I’d definitely want to be somewhere more central – just depends what you’re looking for!).

Leave extra space in your suitcase – the shopping is just too good (and yes I ended up paying for excess baggage on the way home!).

OUR FOUR-DAY ITINERARY:

I always think that it’s helpful to pop our itineraries here – just incase you’re looking for a good place to start and build out your trip from. Do keep in mind that we’re knackered parents. HA! There is SO much more that we could have packed in, but ultimately we wanted to be a little more of a slower paced trip there than we usually do. And also, we’ve been a few times before so didn’t do any of the classic tourist stuff because we’re lucky enough to have done them already. My previous two New York posts have itineraries that are more geared up for that..


DAY ONE

3PM – Arrive at JFK.

5PM – Check-in to hotel and drop off bags. We explored the local area and did a lot of our Christmas shopping in Smoochie Baby.

7PM – We had dinner at Cafe Mogadorand managed to fit in a slice from Joe’s afterwards too. I was still hungry, so we grabbed some ice cream and also took a detour to the local Trader Joe’s because I love supermarkets abroad.

9PM – Back to hotel and back to bed.


DAY TWO

9AM – Breakfast at Sunday in Brooklyn – will always recommend here.

10:30AM – Shopping in Williamsburg – find all my recommendations here. Definitely check out Credo. Back to hotel to drop off bags and grab some snacks.

2PM – Walk over the Williamsburg Bridge and to The Vintage Twin (great, but pricey, for Levi’s 501’s), then up to FAO Black to pick up something for the little guy.

7PM – Dinner at ABC Kitchenthen back to the hotel.


DAY THREE

9AM – Breakfast at the hotel and then off to Peloton Studios to do a live class!!

12PM – Head back to Williamsburg to get some lunch from Frankel’sstopped in a few shops on the way back to the hotel.

3PM – Chill time back at the hotel – we were tired from all the early starts!

7PM – Dinner at Rule of Thirdsthen back to the hotel.


DAY FOUR

9AM – Breakfast at Russ & Daughters to meet with Lizzy!

10:30 PM – Popped into Awoke Vintage, Whole Foods and then caught the subway to Sephora.

12PM – Grab a sandwich from Misson Sandwich Social. I recommend ordering online for pick-up if it’s a busy time – this placed gets packed!

3PM – Check out of hotel and back to JFK.


Photos by Mark Newton

Mid Century Modern Nail Art | Chalkboard Nails

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Hello friends! It’s been a while since I posted here (thanks to everyone that reached out to make sure I was ok), but I’m back with a couple of snazzy new things to show you! First off, don’t miss my new blog header! I wanted something fresh, lighter, and more fun, and so I made it mahself. Second, I’m shooting my photos on a light background! The black background looked too heavy with the blog refresh, so I’m giving this a go.

Now, on to the nail art. This simple look was created by saying “yes, and…” You know that rule of improv where you’re supposed to take what your partner says and say “yes, and…”? It accepts what’s already put into play and then adds more to the scene. Well in this manicure, I just kept adding pieces! It looked nice at several stages throughout the process, but I decided not to stop and to keep adding elements.

Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails

I used the following polishes for this look:
LVX Military (basic)
LVX Monarch (gold)
Salon Perfect Oil Slick (black)
Formula X Push the Limits (red-orange)

Can we take a second to marvel at the beauty that is LVX Militaire, by the way? It’s such a great gorgeous grey with just a twinge of green, and it covered perfectly in two coats.

After applying the base, I used the polish brush of Monarch to dab some random gold shapes on top of it. Next, I grabbed my new Tati Chou Chou detail brush (splurge!) to add the thin black linework. The last step before topcoat was to apply the red and black dots; use a dotting tool for the smaller ones and a pencil eraser for the large ones.

Mid century modern nail art by @chalkboardnails

I hope you enjoyed this look, and here’s crossing my fingers that the next post won’t be another month out! 🙂

Calendula or Marigold? – HollyBeth Organics Luxury Skin Care

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Calendula

Marigold and Calendula are both members of the Asteraceae family. They both sport vibrant orange to yellow petals. Although calendula is also known as  “pot marigold,” it is not a true marigold. I’m not sure who or why someone named it that.

Calendula has been used since the 12th century for its medicinal properties most notably in Ayurvedic practices. The petals are made into an extract Studies abound on its healing ability on the skin specifically on burn victims. Due to its high level of vitamin A compounds (carotenoids) it is also known to calm skin irritations such as rashes, dermatitis, acne and chapped skin.  In folklore, the flowers were strung above doors and under the bed to keep evil out.

Also known  as the poor man’s saffron as the pot marigold can be used in cooking as a substitute. Marigold petals are edible and add a lovely tang to salads. The petals also make a lovely dye. Another benefit of marigolds is Mother Nature’s bug repellant, planting them around your tomatoes so the bugs won’t eat them.

Marigolds

Marigolds native to Mexico, were taken to Europe and Asia in the 16th century. There are over 50 species of this earthy plant. To the Welsh, marigolds were “herb of the sun” and if they were not open in the morning a storm was coming. They were used as love charms and were thought to produce visions of fairies if rubbed on the eyes. Others considered marigold poisonous due to the heavy aroma. In Mexico we were surrounded by marigolds on dia de los muertos, and while in India marigolds were omnipresent. Ironically it wasn’t in Mexico that I learned to appreciate marigolds but in Thailand and India.

We use calendula oil in our marigold toner, marigold foaming cleanser, and marigold bergamot dry oil.

The Many Health Benefits of Our Hydrating Moisture Mist

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The Many Health Benefits of Our Hydrating Moisture Mist

Lily Farm Fresh Skin Care’s Hydrating Moisture Mist is a facial mist with a long list of skin and health benefits that may surprise you. With a sweet floral scent, the purely botanical mist not only keeps the skin hydrated, supple and balanced all day long, the power of it’s ingredients may do much more than support healthy skin.

Hydrating ingredients include vegetable glycerin, which draws moisture from the air to the skin, and seaweed, which helps retain the moisture. While lavender refreshes and stimulates the skin, it also can help improve your mood, and fight stress. Chamomile eases many skin conditions like eczema and rashes, and it is a wonderful anti-inflammatory, soothing and normalizing. Chamomile also has been known to relieve anxiety and promote sleep.

Ylang ylang is the specially unique ingredient that may be the most powerful of all. This is one of the best essential oils for anxiety, thanks to its ability to lower the blood pressure effectively. A study published by PubMed showed its effectiveness vs placebo and other oils. Ylang ylang was showing real effectiveness against symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Ylang ylang’s powerfully calming effects have also been shown in initial studies to have a positive effect on the self-esteem of the people who tried it. That’s because generally low confidence comes when your emotional state being unbalanced and you are experiencing feelings of anxiety or depression. Ylang ylang’s calming effects actually boost your self-positivity. So just spiriting our Hydrating Moisture Mist on your face could give you a boost of confidence without you even realizing it!

Ylang ylang also has a history of use as a traditional, herbal treatment for conditions such as:

  • stomach distress
  • rheumatism
  • gout
  • malaria
  • headache
  • pneumonia

“I have used several different brands of facial mists over the years, but Lily Hydrating Moisture Mist is superior, by far. I don’t go a day without it. I especially enjoy spritzing it on after I apply my makeup. I love the fresh scent and also the way it makes my skin \feel — moist and beautiful! People are always commenting on how dewy my skin looks. What an awesome product!” – Ginger, Customer of Lily Farm Fresh Skin Care

The herbs in our Hydrating Moisture formula are cell rejuvenative and anti-inflammatory, but also so much more! As an added bonus, it can be kept in the refrigerator for extra cooling during warm seasons.

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