Archive for the ‘Chic Appeal’ Category

Sure, true beauty may come from within, but we can all use a little help every now and then. Chic Appeal will help you find beauty bargains that will keep you looking fly without breaking the bank.

Daily Diamond: Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss

March 8th, 2010 by Catherine

Confession: I’m one of those consumers who definitely judges a book by its cover. A product’s packaging has to have something worthwhile to draw me in (whether it’s fancy or simple doesn’t really matter) to learn more. But that’s usually where the allure stops. Having worked in some capacity within the beauty industry for 7 years now, I’ve become immune to the hypnotic effect so many products have, and in the process have saved myself (and my wallet) from frivolous spending.

{Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Hourglass, $26.00}

{Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Hourglass, $26.00}

Such was not the case when I spied Hourglass’ new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss. The sleek, thin tube is super futuristic-looking, and the gloss shades are to die for. There are six in total, all of which promise to glide on sheer, without the goopy tack that accompany so many other formulas I’ve tried. I haven’t stopped craving the strawberry-hued Pulse, and am stopping by Sephora tonight after work! Spring has sprung on the east coast, which means it’s time for a poppy new lip color.

Am I the only one who craves a beauty overhaul when the weather gets nicer?

A tan, bright, and gorgeous spring by Clarins.

March 4th, 2010 by Erika

clarins

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate demonstration of Clarins‘ new Spring 2010 Collection (spring-inspired cocktails included!) and I spent most of the night ooh-ing and ahh-ing over every single product. The latest collection includes a mix of hydrators, an everlasting foundation, exfoliators and brighteners. I’ve narrowed down my two favorites and have shared with you what I like about them after the jump! (more…)

What I want for spring…

March 4th, 2010 by Catherine

With springtime just a couple weeks away, I’ve got my eye on a few additions…

Picture 1A sweet, floral fragrance to compliment the new blooms all around.

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This Alexander Wang Shirt Dress to wear with just about everything that’s already in my closet.

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These darling (and super-affordable!) espadrilles from Old Navy.

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This ladylike bag from Coach that’s big enough to tote my necessities, but small enough to comply with my weekend resolution.

Sheer genius.

March 1st, 2010 by Catherine
{PIXI Sheer Cheek Gel, $18.00}

{PIXI Sheer Cheek Gel, $18.00}

Every so often, a product comes along and really knocks my socks off. Such was definitely the case when I tried PIXI’s Sheer Cheek Gel, a best-selling product that delivers the most natural-looking flush with major staying power. Since I’m usually not the girl who remembers to touch up her makeup throughout the day, this works particularly well when I need to look polished, but don’t have the time (or will) to put in the effort. I love its sheer wash of color the most, but also its simplicity to apply. Because it goes on super sheer, it’s goof-proof if you tend to overdo your blush (there’s nothing less chic than clown makeup, no?). So for those of your ladies who prefer to look delicately flushed, as though you’ve just taken a brisk walk in fresh air, this is definitely the product for you.

PIXI’s Sheer Cheek Gel is available in four different shades for $18.00 at Target stores nationwide and online at pixibeauty.com and target.com.

Mile-high luxe club.

February 24th, 2010 by Catherine

I’m going to Aruba in June for a week and am already sweating about my packing problems. I tend to overpack (give me a break here – what girl doesn’t?), but with restrictions and bag fees, I’m getting nervous that I’ll wind up dipping into my vacation fund to cover excess charges. Luckily, someone else with similar problems to my own thought of a solution. It’s called www.3floz.com, where you’ll find luxury products from favorite brands like Ahava, Jonathan, Ole Henriksen, Malin + Goetz, and more, all in handy, TSA-approved sizes. For all you expert packers out there, this might not be the most exciting news you’ve heard today, but for those of us who’ve seen beloved lotions and potions be tossed out at security checkpoints, we’re pretty darn excited this won’t happen again.

I’ve made my picks already (hey, I’m excited for my trip!), and listed them below. Any Chic-Thrills readers out there with upcoming trips?

{Ahava Frequent Flyer, $22.00}

{Frequent Flyer Kit, Ahava, $22.00}

{Rejuvenating Oil, Philip B., $30.00}

{Rejuvenating Oil, Philip B., $30.00}

{Essential Kit, Malin + Goetz, $30.00}

{Essential Kit, Malin + Goetz, $30.00}

With brands being added by the day, it’s nice to know there’s a website catering to make travel a little more comfortable. For more great products, fly on over!

The polished look.

February 23rd, 2010 by Ruth

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure, Commander in Chic, Available at drugstores nationwide, $8

While sitting on the F train heading back down to the office, I had a rather lengthy conversation with Dina Fierro, of Eye4Style fame, about her manicure. She spilled the beans – she had quickly done them the night before and used Sally Hansen’s Complete Salon Manicure.

In all honesty, I was shocked! Not only was I surprised to hear that this was her favorite drug store brand, but I was intrigued when she began to tell me about the special paint brush that has multi-length bristles. It’s on the thicker side and has a round-ish tip. So, this weekend I made a trip to my local Walgreen’s and scooped up the polish in Commander in Chic.

To put it simply, I was blown away by the results. The brush itself was shaped like a “U” and made for a smooth, error proof manicure. The paint itself went on flawlessly, and had the perfect texture and consistency. And at $8, this is a no-brainer for those looking for a gorgeous color and easy, quick application.

Check out some of my pictures of the nail color and brush below.

Commander in Chic, Sally Hansen

Paintbrush

I got Carried away.

February 22nd, 2010 by Ruth

sjp nyc

Because of my career, I kind of met Sarah Jessica Partner. Now, did I sit down and have a cup of coffee with her? No, not that kind of meet. But I did sit in the same room as her in an intimate setting at the SJP NYC launch event held on Friday, February 19 at the ever-charming Sweetie Pie, a destination restaurant in the West Village.

Inspired by the essence and spirit of Carrie Bradshaw, SJP NYC is reminiscent of the feeling you get when walking down your favorite New York City streets. Defined as a “party in a bottle”, she stepped away from her comfort zone in conceptualizing this fragrance, and created a floral scent with its own signature note, The Strawberry. The ultimate fragrance accessory for an every day adventure, this scent is something to spritz on when the temperature finally breaks.

SJP NYC Fragrance line

Styled by Elle’s Creative Director, Joe Zee, Sarah Jessica Parker wore a one-of-a-kind Oscar de la Renta dress made for the SJP NYC ad campaign (naturally). The dress and fragrance’s bottle embody Carrie Bradshaw and the essence of the lively, youthful fragrance. With notes of strawberry, mandarin, gardenia and musks, the scent is vibrant and colorful, just like the dress.

Lastly, I have to say, Sarah Jessica Parker was incredibly humble, interesting, funny, and well-spoken. As most girls might say, my life is just a little more complete after having this amazing opportunity to interact with Carrie Bradshaw…I mean, SJP.

SJP NYC ad campaign

SJP NYC Oscar de la Renta dress

{Images courtesy of FelSull’s Flickr Photostream}

White hot.

February 18th, 2010 by Catherine
{Diamond District, Dashing Diva, $6.00}

{Diamond District, Dashing Diva, $6.00}

With New York Fashion Week just about to wrap up, I can’t help but have Fall on the brain. One of my favorite looks came from Naomi Campbell’s Fashion For Relief event, which benefitted relief efforts in Haiti. Styled by Rachel Zoe, the show was a nonstop rush of celeb sightings both on and off the runway. Each model sported a crisp, shimmery white called Diamond District from Dashing Diva’s collection of oh-so-hot nail colors. The color, which surprisingly flattered everyone’s skin tone, is available for a bargain-friendly $6 here.

Daily Diamond: Tarte Natural Gel Lip Stains

February 17th, 2010 by Catherine
Eeny, meeny, meiny mo...

Eeny, meeny, meiny mo...

After years of wearing nothing but lip gloss, I’ve begun dabbling in formulas that last beyond my morning cup of coffee. These lip stains from Tarte caught my eye, having learned they’re made with the same technology as my beloved blush. But unlike original stain formulas, these don’t suck the moisture right out of your lips, which is great news for me and my parched pucker.

{Natural Lip Stain, Tarte, $24.00}

Makeup Breakup: When a consumer and product are forced apart.

February 15th, 2010 by Catherine
Gone, but not forgotten.

Gone, but not forgotten.

I fully understand how the beauty industry works, having worked in it myself for over five years. I still, however, can’t help but feel devastated when a brand takes one of my makeup bag staples off the market. I went hunting for my favorite mascara, Neutrogena’s Clean Tint, this weekend, only to find that store shelves are now void of the once-stocked product. I’m horrified it might be gone for good, so to be safe, I’m going on a hunt to stock up. Here’s why I love it so much:

  1. Its super-light formula goes on without clumping or making my eyelashes look spiky.
  2. It doesn’t smudge under my eyes like other formulas I’ve tried. I won’t name names, but I’ve been very dissappointed with some super-hyped brands.
  3. It makes my eyelashes look suuuuuper long in an I-grew-them-myself kind of way.
  4. It cost me $6 per tube, which kept my lashes lengthened and beautified for over 3 months.

Ladies (and gents) – if you stumble across any leftovers anywhere, keep a girl informed over here!