Beauty /

Beautyblender Care and Tips from Instyle Magazine

I wanted to share this article titled, “Stop Ruining Your Beautyblender By Following These Tips” written by Alexis Bennet from Instyle Magazine.  For those who may not know, this particular makeup sponge is significant due to the shape, material, and application technique.

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Although the blender’s considered to be much pricer than normal applicators, most makeup artist (and enthusiast) notice a difference after use.  I also love the fact that it’s small enough to fit in my pocket or cosmetics bag.  I’ve noticed several questions (on Instagram) asking how to properly care for the Beautyblender.  Thankfully, Instyle Magazine explained the best tips for preventing holes and breakage.

Photo Credit: Instyle Magazine
Photo Credit: Instyle Magazine

 Beautyblender creator Rea Anna Silva states, “First and foremost, it still amazes me how after so many years that people (even friends and family) still don’t know to wet it,” Silva exclaims. “You have to wet your Beautyblender to get it in its optimum condition for use and for the best makeup application.”

The brand has also expanded to cleansers, tools, and more accessories.  Click on the article and watch more “blending magic” on January 21, 2016, the upcoming HSN special:  Stop Ruining Your Beautyblender By Following These Tips

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Accessories /

Ann Taylor – Valentine’s Day Must – Have Outfits

This Valentine’s Day, Ann Taylor is your go-to destination for gifts for the special lady in your life and/or must-have outfits for your glamorous night out or romantic date night.

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With a variety blush hues and sparkly accessories, you will find everything you need for the perfect Valentine’s Day.

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Beauty /

Super Bowl 2016 – Beyonce Heat Kissed Fragrance Giveaway | Winner

In celebration of Beyonce’s upcoming Super Bowl Halftime performance, Style + Life + Fashion would like to offer a product giveaway!

Beyonce Heat Kissed

Beyonce’s newest addition to her best-selling Heat fragrance franchise, Beyonce Heat Kissed, captures sensual intensity in a bottle. The heart of the scent is surrounded by fruity top notes – Sri Lankan dragonfruit, lychee, and ripe mango – together giving Beyonce Heat Kissed it’s lively vibrance.

Exotic woody notes of natural patchouli and African sandalwood combine with an infusion of vanilla, creating an enchanting love potion ($19.99; Walgreens).

Beyonce_Heat_Eau_De_Parfum_30ml_1369314417Giveaway Terms

1. Visit and “Like” Style+Life+Fashion Facebook Page, Twitter, or Instagram account.

2. Send us an email kim@stylelifefashion.com sharing your favorite photo of Beyonce.

3. Share our giveaway on your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)

Giveaway will end at midnight on January 27, 2016 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on January 28, 2016.

Products will be shipped directly to the giveaway winner from the fragrance manufacturer.  

** Winner has been contacted **

DIY /

Sparkling Ice – Award Season Inspired Cocktails

Celebrate the upcoming Oscars by hosting your own viewing party to watch your favorite celebrities strut their couture on the red carpet. No viewing party is complete without delicious cocktails and mocktails, so sip in style during the trendiest season with these Award Season inspired cocktail recipes featuring SPARKLING ICE and Coco Joy.

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Ingredients:

4 oz. Blueberry Pomegranate SPARKLING ICE
2 oz. Pomegranate Juice
Blueberries
Pomegranate Seeds
Add a splash of vodka or prosecco for a cocktail modification

Directions:

Fill a glass with Blueberry Pomegranate SPARKLING ICE
Add pomegranate juice
Top with 5-6 blueberries and a small handful of pomegranate seeds
Stir to combine
RED CARPET READY

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Ingredients:

4 cups apple cider, chilled
2 cups cranberry juice cocktail, chilled
2 cups SPARKLING ICE Crisp Apple, chilled
1 can (12oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate
Apple slices for garnish
Rosemary cranberry sprig for individual garnish, as shown in image, or float fresh or frozen cranberries in punch bowl
Add a splash of vodka or prosecco for a cocktail modification

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients and let sit overnight
Serve chilled, garnish with rosemary cranberry sprig

BLACK CHERRY BOMBSHELL

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Ingredients:

Frozen black cherries
1½ oz. Kentucky bourbon
1 oz. SPARKLING ICE Black Raspberry
Directions:

Crush cherries into bottom of a glass
Pour bourbon then SPARKLING ICE over crushed cherries and ice
Add more cherry for garnish
CELEBRITY COLADA

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Ingredients

½ crushed pineapple
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup vodka
2 cups cold Coco Joy Water
2 limes
Directions

Combine pineapple, ice, vodka and Coco Joy Water in a blender and pulse until smooth
Garnish with limes

Entertainment /

Wine Loft Birmingham – Tapas and Cocktails

I served as the host for a birthday party during the holiday season.  It was a milestone celebration and I wanted the event to special.  I selected the Wine Loft Birmingham for several reasons:

  1. Everybody loves a glass of wine!
  2. The atmosphere is very cozy and a great place for conversation.
  3. It’s a hidden gem, in the heart of Birmingham city.

 

The southern charm of the Wine Loft Birmingham lived up to my expectations.  I was able to make a direct reservation and due to the extended amount of guests, the restaurant had no problem accommodating any changes.  The menu was (also) unique and provided a Tapas experience, along with a diverse selection of wines.

I suggest if you’re in the Birmingham area to visit the restaurant for networking, laughs, and an awesome glass of wine!

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Beauty /

The Vera Bradley Fragrance Collection – Launch Today

Vera Bradley launches its first ever fragrance collection today, January 14th! With four alluring eau de toilette scents featuring Macaroon Rose, Cotton Flower, Vanilla Sea Salt and Appbleberry Champagne available in both 15 mL ($28), 50 mL ($48) and a mini sampler with 10 mL of all four included ($48).

The Vera Bradley fragrance collection also rounds out with an assortment of candles, bath and shower gel, body lotion, hand cream, soap gift sets, candle gift sets, fragrance and lotion gift sets and purse spray sets that will leave every woman feeling beautiful.

The complete collection in all four aromas are available on VeraBradley.com starting today!

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Accessories /

Michelle Obama – Nariciso Rodriguez Midi Dress

First Lady, Michelle Obama looked stunning (last night) during the 2016 State Of The Union Address.  She was seen wearing a marigold toned, midi dress from designer Narciso Rodriguez.

Michelle Obama is an example of having the total look.  Her makeup was neutral with a soft highlight and contour; hair was placed in a side-part with voluminous waves.

Due to the popularity of her dress, unfortunately it sold out in a matter of minutes!

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Photo Credit: FLOTUSNEWS.com
Accessories /

PromDressOk Online Wedding and Special Occasion Dresses

Are you newly engaged or seeking a special occasion gown?  One way that we can avoid the hassle of making appointments, standing in line or sold out sizes (and styles) is by shopping online.  There are several reputable bridal retailers but shoppers need someone who can deliver items on time!

According to the website, “Promdressok.com is a professional and experienced online wedding dresses company. As the leading supplier of wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, party dresses and accessories, customers can select their favorite dresses here with great satisfaction.”

Shoppers can also receive the best price, a wide product range, assured quality, and world-class customer service.  Most importantly, all payments are secure, encrypted and protected.  Visit PromDressOk.com to find the wedding dress of your dreams!

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Fashion /

Golden Globes 2016 – Emily Brickel Edelson Chic Sketch

As the Golden Globes kicked-off awards season last night, Hollywood’s biggest names graced the red carpet in Dior, Valentino, and Versace.

Emily Brickel Edelson, the talented artist behind Chic Sketch, a fashion forward mobile app that sketches photos into Instagrammable fashion illustrations by real fashion illustrators in a matter of minutes, has created a round-up of the 10 biggest fashion moments of last night’s show.

Alicia Vikander Jenna Dewan - Tatum Jennifer Lawrence Jennifer Lopez Kate Hudson Laverne Cox Malin Akerman Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Taraji P Henson Zendaya

Follow Chic Sketch on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicsketch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chicsketch
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chicsketch

Beauty /

Lady Gaga: Winning Red Carpet Look and Hairstyle

2016 Golden Globe winner, Lady Gaga, looked stunning with an old Hollywood glamour look on the red carpet of tonight’s Golden Globe Awards. Celebrity hairstylist, Frederic Aspiras, created these voluminous waves and curls with the help of KMS California products. Here, Frederic shares how to get Lady Gaga’s red carpet look.

 

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 10: 73rd ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS -- Pictured: Actress/singer Lady Gaga arrives to the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 10: 73rd ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS — Pictured: Actress/singer Lady Gaga arrives to the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

 

1. Start with clean towel dried hair. First apply KMS California TAMEFRIZZ smoothing lotion (18.99) from root to tip and comb through for even distribution.

2. Next, spray KMS California ADDVOLUME volumizing spray (18.99) at the roots to create big voluminous hair.

3. Give a light mist of KMS California FREESHAPE quick blow dry spray (21.99) to reduce drying time and get a smooth fly-away free result to your blow dry.

4. Next, section the hair for blow drying. Using a medium round brush, drying with an up and around movement to get full volume.

5. Using a 1-inch curling iron, take 1-inch sections of hair and curl the hair all back and away from the face. Take a velcro roller and set each curl after you curl only using medium to small curlers. Allow rollers to set and cool. After, 15-20 minutes remove curlers.

6. To finish, brush the hair out with a sable bristle brush. Use KMS California HAIRPLAY playable texture ($20.50) to spray waves and curls in place but still maintain a soft bouncy look.

KMS California products are available at salons nationwide, please visit http://www.kmscalifornia.com/en-US/salon_finder.aspx to find a salon near you.