I grew up very awkward, gawky, and not exactly pretty. I had buck teeth, bad acne, a weight issue, enunciation problems, and ADHD. You can imagine how much I was bullied throughout school not just for my looks, but my personality as well.
As a matter of fact, one kid in high school would draw cartoon-esque pictures depicting me in the worst possible light. Even after we left for high school, he created this MySpace account for the cartoon character that was supposed to be me.
The extent of which I was bullied is something that I’ve never openly shared with anyone as it’s something I’m still struggling to completely let go. As a matter of fact, when someone commented to me that it was sad that a woman wasn’t comfortable without makeup, I thought, “so what?” Then I realized, even at the work place I was still being bullied when people would ask if I was sick simply because I wasn’t wearing makeup.
Last Halloween I got to check out a really cool dance marathon that utilize dance to bring awareness to bullying. Philadelphia based DJ Diamond Kuts was kind enough to sit down and chat with me on finding her confidence, dealing with bullying, and also on her music career. This had been sitting in my draft folder for almost year and I thought it was befitting after my conversation last night and the fact that it’s again Halloween to publish it. Hope you all enjoy!
On October 30th 2012, 13 dancers teamed up with the super fresh DJ Diamond Kuts, one of three female DJs spotlighted by Dove go fresh Deodorant and Body Mist, at the Roxy in Hollywood and broke the Guinness World Record for the Longest Team Dance Marathon. These amazing dancers shook their behinds for 24 hour straight all to raise awareness for National Bullying Prevention Month and to raise money for anti-bullying groups including GLAAD, GLSEN, GSA Network, HRC, the It Gets Better Project, and the Trevor Project.
I caught up with DJ Diamond Kuts from Philadelphia, who was at the Roxy to open and close the party, to learn more about her personal experience with bullying, her partnership with MTV and Dove, as well as her personal style and beauty tips! Read on for more:
DJ Diamond Kuts Kicking Off the O Music Awards’ Longest Team Dance Marathon
On her musical roots and inspiration:
Coming from Philadelphia, Kuts was inspired by the local DJs in the area, as well as her dad. As a matter of fact, her father, a local rapper, gave Kuts her first set of turn tables when she was in high school!
“Being in Philly had a big impact on my career,” Kuts said. She would also hang out in record stores after school to learn about music, and the local DJs that she hung out with would teach her things about music as well.
On her personal style:
Kuts describes herself as a really basic type of chick with blinged out gadgets. “Everything about me is always basic,” explained Kuts. “You’ll never see me in super sexy dresses and 10 inch heels. I’m really the sneakers, skinny jeans, t-shirt type of chick.” However, her headphones and laptop are “super blinged out,” which is how she got her name, Diamond Kuts!
On being a part of MTV’s O Music Award’s Longest Team Dance Guinness Marathon:
Even though Kuts is now comfortable showing the world her blinged out self, that doesn’t mean she was never bullied in school. As Kuts explained, “I felt like when I went to school, I had to be quiet because if I said something, I would be criticized for it. Being able to overcome it is the important part, and I was able to over come it, to not care about what anyone says or what they want to do to me. I’m all about anti-bullying, 100%, because I was there, too.”
On staying fresh and keeping the crowd fresh:
It’s tough staying fresh in the DJ booth, so Kuts turns to Dove for a little extra help. She always swipes n Dove deodorant and sprays a little body mist before going out, which she claims to keep her fresh the entire night. In fact, her best beauty tip to all the ladies?
“Stay fresh, seriously! Ladies, get that deodorant and body mist on. Try the Dove go fresh Rebalane Deodorant and Body Mist in Plum and Sakura Blossom. Gotta stay fresh and smell fresh at all time!”
On top of that, Kuts truly admires Dove’s program of empowering real woman. “I’m a real woman that does real things,” said Kuts, “so I’m happy to be a part of this campaign.”
Do you have your own bullying stories? Even though it’s hard to share, it has been therapeutic for me to put it down in words. Feel free to share in the comments or tweet me @GloriaYangBB. I’d love to hear about it and how you personally overcame bullying.
Katrina Bowden at Minardi Launch Private Event – Photo by Stephen Lovekin
Last Thursday New York Celebrity Colorist Beth Minardi hosted an intimate private dinner with one of her celebrity clients, 30 Rock’s Katrina Bowden, in the chic wine cellar room of A Voce to celebrate the launch her new hair line, Minardi Luxury Color Care.
Close up of Katrina Bowden at A Voce right after Minardi highlighted her blonde strands. Photo by Stephen Lovekin.
As one of the most critically acclaimed salon colorists, Minardi focused on creating a new line of hair care that follows her philosophy of getting hair that’s even better than natural. Healthier, shinier, and even more refined.
Minardi Glisten Color Reflecting Drops (right)and Finishing Flexible Finishing Spray (left) – both retail for $24
The Minardi Luxury Color Care delivers exactly that with one-of-a-kind products. Bowden is reportedly a fan of the Glisten Color Reflecting Drops ($24), a blend of botanical extracts to maximize gloss and reflect color. The Fortifying Pre-Wash Therapy is a super luxurious crème-oil emulsion that’s applied to dry wash to instantly restore hair to virgin-hair status – silky, shiny, and strong.
“This is a homogenous broth of fatty acids, proteins, lipids and water,” said Minardi. “It rebuilds hair with what it’s made out of. Pre-Wash rinses beautifully and smoothly out of the hair without any greasiness.”
“”It smells of lavender and amber,” said Minardi of the Pre-Wash.
It’s also smells simply divine! “It smells of lavender and amber,” added Minardi, “so it’s pleasant and makes the salon experience great.”
I got to ask Minardi a few questions* so read on for more:
Celebrity Colorist Beth Minardi at Minardi Launch Private Event. Photo by Stephen Lovekin.
On creating her new line, Minardi said that she wanted to create something that’ll help hair look even better than natural hair. The Luxury Color Care Washes and After Washes are specifically to ensure the color “vision” lasts long after shampooing. They’re formulated to be gentle yet effective without stripping hair color, and the After Wash restores hair moisture and protein balance.
As for her thoughts on the ómbre trend, Minardi felt that ómbre is still in, but it’s changed. Instead of the faded look ómbre is more known for, the look is bolder and more in charge. Rich warm bold color highlights would also replace the pastel cotton candy hue seen this past year.
Minardi also gave the best tip on choosing hair color – not only should it suit your complexion and personality, make sure the color and the design suits the cut!
*Unfortunately my recorder cut off after one second so I’m not able to quote Minardi directly, but all answers are accurate and unembellished.
Tis the season of gorgeous lashes – now you can sample some of the hottest mascaras from Nordstrom Beauty right on HauteLook tomorrow via the Nordstrom Mascara Madness Sale!
HauteLook has been my go-to for discount beauty products. Lately they’ve been hitting it out of the park with my favorite brands including Temptu, NYX Cosmetics, and Urban Decay (on sale now!). Tomorrow they’re bringing to you the best of Nordstrom Beauty: 12 mascaras from your favorite brands in a one-of-a-kind bag for only $24 plus shipping! That’s cheaper than just 1 full size mascara from these brands!
Details below:
HauteLook will be selling an exclusive, one-of-a-kind HauteLook & Nordstrom Beauty Mascara Bag filled with 12 coveted deluxe sample mascaras at an amazing price of $24 plus shipping on HauteLook.com! This beautiful navy/white striped cosmetics bag includes 11 mascaras (with a surprise!) from your favorite brands, from Bobbi Brown to Smashbox. Be sure to follow the brands @HauteLook and @NordstromBeauty for more information and see below the full list of deluxe mascaras included in the sale:
- Napoleon Perdis Long Black Mascara- Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Volumizing Mascara- Bare Escentuals Flawless Definition Mascara- Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara- Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara- Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume Mascara- Clinique High Impact Mascara- Trish High Volume Mascara- Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara- YSL Shocking Mascara- Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara- SURPRISE!
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Remember, all HauteLook sale events start promptly at 11 am EST and 8 am PST. A deal like this is surely to go fast so if you’re on the West Coast, remember to set your alarms so you won’t miss out!
*Disclosure: HauteLook gives their members $10 credits when a friend uses their referral link to purchase products. That means if you click on the links above to purchase the amazing Mascara Madness deal, I’ll get $10 to spend on HauteLook! Help an aspiring blogger out, yes?
Joico, one of my go-to hair brands of all times, wants you to join in their Ponytail University Challenge to show off YOUR Ponytail Personality! They’re hosting a fantastic contest (details below) from now until November 15. To help get in the spirit of ponytails, I’ll be bringing you a ponytail story every week, from what I spied backstage at NYFW to my all-time favorite red carpet ponytails to the easiest how-tos for simple and chic ponytails.
This week we’re exploring just exactly what your ponytail style means!
According Joico’s team of world-renowned stylists, how you wear your ponytail says a lot about you. It’s also one of the most versatile styles ever. “It’s the one hairstyle that’s as at home on the treadmill as it is on the red carpet,” said Damien Carney, Joico’s International Creative Director.
Here’s what the five most popular styles say about you:
1. The Classic Ponytail: This perfect pony avoids extremes; it’s the ideal, midline mane that messages appropriateness in every setting. Going with this safe-and-stylish look might be an option for you if you favor fashions like a wear-with-everything black skirts; a fine white blouse; patent-leather bag; Jack Rogers sandals and plenty of Burberry, and you identify with celebs like Reese Witherspoon; plus all the Kates (Middleton; Holmes and Winslet).
2. The Top Ponytail. Bundle your locks atop your head and there is no mistaking your flirty, fun, playful disposition. You’ll love having your hair on top of the world if you adore short skirts, stacked bracelets, coral skinnies and celebrities like Fergie, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez and Julianne Hough.
3. The Low Ponytail: There’s something decidedly glam about gathering your strands at the nape of the neck. Go about it in a slicked-back, streamlined way, and you’ll have a look that’s rich and understated. Switch up the low pony to something loose and a little messy, and you’ve suddenly got sexy back. If you think you love the lowdown, you probably admire form-fitting, long-sleeved cocktail dresses—minus the ruffles, prints, and hoopla; stilettos; white jeans with Tory Burch flats and the best leather bag money can buy. Celebrity icons? Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Blake Lively and Zoe Saldana.
4. The High Ponytail: Often worn with a stylish bump, this youthful pony messages “fresh and fun” without trying too hard. That’s because the high placement gives a playful lift, but also works in an elegant setting. Your closet may contain tangerine-and-hot-pink dresses; aviator sunnies; scads of bracelets mixed with an oversized man’s watch and platform pumps. Victoria Beckham, Kelly Ripa, Maria Menounos and Lucy Liu are the celebs on your radar.
5. The Side Ponytail. Side starts with an “s.” So does seductive, sexy, stylish, and sensuous…all of which describe the gal who wears her coif daringly off-kilter. This style takes the universal ponytail—with strands either sleek and smooth, or gently curled–and turns it into something entirely new and interesting. Have it on the side if you love body-hugging pencil skirts; one-shoulder anything; silk for evening; leather for day; black, black, black and celebrity icons like Angelina Jolie; Eva Mendes; Beyoncé; and Penelope Cruz.
I’m somewhere between a High Pony and a Classic Pony – meaning sometimes I’m all for bright pink dresses but other times I’m all about classic LBDs and other black silhouettes.
Joico’s POWER SPRAY Fast-Dry Finishing Spray (Coming Nov. 1st)
My trick to get the perfect pony? Don’t worry about it too much! Back comb it just a tad for a teensy bit of extra volume and keep it messy for a relaxed sexy feel. If needed, spray a bit of the new Joico’s POWER SPRAY Fast-Dry Finishing Spray (launching on Nov. 1 and yes, you heard it first from me) to tame fly aways and to keep everything in place without weighing it down.
Here’s the best part – Joico is giving away FANTASTIC prizes worth over $1,100 to YOU for simply entering their Facebook contest from October 16 to November 15! Entering is super easy:
1. Submit your photo on Joico’s Facebook App: http://www.facebook.com/joico
2. Showcase your school spirit by snapping a picture of you with your signature ponytail and school apparel (t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc). Group photos are eligible.*
Now let’s talk prizes because the prizes are more than amazing. Like holy cow, I WANT IN ON THAT ACTION amazing!
Prizes:
- First 200 to submit get:
- Travel-sized, NEW Joico Power Spray (50 ml / 1.5 oz)
- Ten (10) lucky random winners get ten (10) travel-sized Power Sprays each for themselves or to share with their friends
- ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE WINNER (chosen at random) receives:
- One-Year (1 yr.) Supply* of NEW full-sized, Power Spray (300ml / 9 oz.)
- Joico top product assortment
- J.P.G. perfume
- NARS nails & makeup
- $200 “College Girl-On the Go” Gift Card to use on your very own shopping spree!
Sweepstakes/Contest Dates: Oct. 16 through Nov. 15, 2012
*College/University students are encouraged to participate in accordance with the spirit of the contest/sweepstakes, but anyone can participate. College/University attendance not required, but photos must still fall in line with contest/sweepstakes rules.
What are you waiting for? Snap a picture of yourself sporting your college-wear and upload it onto Joico’s Facebook page now!
Congratulations to Patricia S. and Diana P. for winning my first ever Avon Fashion Giveaway! One of you will receive the Define My Shape dress in size L and another will receive a pair of Ultimate Pumps in size 7.
Please email me at gloria (at) beyondbeautybygloria (dot) com by Thursday, October 18, 2012, your top choice and address.
Thanks everyone for entering and good luck to all job hunters out there. I’m right there with you!
There’s been a huge My Little Pony revival in recent years – so huge that its cult-following has gone mainstream. To celebrate the awesomeness that Lisa Frank created, visit the MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 this weekend at The Hester at The Eventi Hotel in New York. It’s complete with pop-up shops, an art exhibition, and tons more fun events!
Details below:
MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012
Is the Apple of New York’s Eye This Fall!
Series of Events To Include a MY LITTLE PONY Art Exhibition, Beauty Bar, and “Every Pony Fun Day”
Saturday, October 13 – Monday, October 15, 2012
Pop-up Shop Open Daily: Saturday – Monday from 12 noon to 5pm
For special event times, please see below
The Hester at The Eventi Hotel
(Located at 6th Avenue and 29th Street)
835 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10001
All Events are Free and Open To the Public
New York (September 28, 2012) — Following the sparkling success of its Los Angeles debut, MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 promenades into New York City this fall bearing gifts of friendship and magic for the Big Apple. Beginning Saturday, October 13, the highly-anticipated charity art exhibition, pop-up shop and event series kicks off a fun-filled three-day weekend of iconic pony delights for fans of all ages. Presented by Hasbro’s MY LITTLE PONY brand, We Love Fine, and Sweet Streets, MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 is steps away from the New York Comic-Con Convention at a special pop-up space hosted by The Hester at The Eventi Hotel and New York Art Department and will be the epicenter of enjoyment and happiness for all!
Saturday, October 13, 2012 / 12 noon-5pm
MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 — Pop-Up Shop and Art Exhibition
On Saturday, October 13, MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 open its doors in New York City with an Equestria themed pop-up shop featuring an assortment of specialty merchandise for sale from Mighty Fine/We Love Fine, Onch Movement, Fab, Enter Play, Soho Fashion, Basic Fun, Universal Designs and Incipio. A special “Collector Series” from Toys R US and your chance to be the first to play the MY LITTLE PONY app by Gameloft which will launch later this fall.
On view for the first time, MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 art exhibition features a stable of twenty-five brand new pony collaborations by renowned international artists and pop-culture icons curated by Sweet Streets. For the show, each artist created their own one-of-a-kind painted MY LITTLE PONY 18-inch vinyl figures, and the customized ponies will be available for sale during the run of the exhibition, ending October 15, 2012. Ten percent of the sales from the MY LITTLE PONY one-of-a-kind ponies will be donated to Give Kids the World Village.
MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 features ponies by:
6%Dokidoki, 64Colors, Bei Badgirl, Beast Brothers, Camilla d’Errico, Chikuwaemil, Cope2, Dabs & Myla, eimi, Hanazuki, Hime+you, Indie184, Jeremiah Ketner, Malcolm Stuart for Joyrich, Junie Moon, Julie West, Lisa Alisa, Lamour Supreme, Luke Chueh, Madoka Kanoshita, Martin Hsu, Onch Movement, Perez Hilton, Rob Reger, Shojono Tomo, Sucklord, TOUMA, and more.
Saturday, October 13, 2012 / 6pm-10pm
MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 — Opening Celebration
Saturday, October 13 also marks the most magical night of the year! MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 presents its Opening Celebration party, where fans will immerse themselves in dazzling display of all things pony. The evening will feature a Soho Fashion Beauty Bar with hair stylists ready to create MY LITTLE PONY up-dos and custom manicures by celebrated nail artist Miss Fleury, first come first serve. Pegasister models Kuma and Maro will walk the floor. There will be Live DJ sets, and much more!
Sunday, October 14, 2012 / 12 noon-5pm
MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 — “Every Pony Fun Day”
Join MY LITTLE PONY and friends for “Every Pony Fun Day,” an enchanting afternoon for fans of all ages. The Soho Fashion Beauty Bar returns with hair stylists along with the colorful Pegasister models, and more delightful surprises in store!
Monday, October 15, 2012 / 12 noon-5pm
MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 says farewell to New York on October 15. Make Monday magical with a final visit to the pop-up shop and viewing of the ponies on display.
All MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 events are open to the public. For more information and schedule updates, please visit MY LITTLE PONY Project 2012 Social Media Links:
Website: http://www.welovefine.com/mylittleponyproject
Twitter: @sweetstreetsla
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sweetstreetsla
My Little Pony
Since 1983 the magical MY LITTLE PONY brand has brought fun, friendship & joy to millions of kids of all ages around the globe. Hasbro re-introduced the popular, whimsical franchise in 2003 and since then more than 100 million ponies have made their way into children’s toy boxes globally. MY LITTLE PONY is an evergreen lifestyle brand that continues to be a worldwide perennial favorite. The “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” animated series is created by Hasbro Studios and is currently airing on The Hub TV Network in the United States and can be seen globally in over 170 countries. In 2012, licensees worldwide have come aboard to bring MY LITTLE PONY branded products inspired by the series to the global marketplace ranging from fashion apparel and accessories to publishing, arts & crafts, school supplies, domestics, and collectibles. Fans of the beloved brand can also “make friends” with MY LITTLE PONY on Facebook , Twitter and YouTube for exclusive updates, product reveals, promotions and more.
Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company’s deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.”Learn more at www.hasbro.com <http://www.hasbro.com> . © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Sweet Streets
Sweet Streets is an artist management firm specializing in the representation of artists of the kawaii movement. A Japanese concept often described as “cute”, our artists define kawaii by one’s own feelings. Established in 2011, we aspire to the general management of events and projects, and the production and promotion of artwork and merchandise for our artists. With business based in Los Angeles and Tokyo, Sweet Streets maintains relationships with international galleries and retailers to encourage new trends in the art world. We represent selected artists Chikuwaemil, Eimi, Luke Chueh, and Shojono Tomo. http://www.sweetstreetsla.com
Mighty Fine
A trio of entrepreneurs joined forces in 1992 to create Mighty Fine – a Los Angles based design studio that has grown from a progressive yet underground t-shirt line to an internationally recognized fashion force and brand innovator. Each brand we create is designed and marketed for the specific needs of that customer. Our strength lies in our ability to create original, exclusive artwork while applying the latest treatments and processes to deliver a product with great style and fit. Our extensive network of retail partners, including hip boutiques, specialty, better department and department retailers, gives us the ability to position and market a brand as innovation fashion product within and given retail channel. http://www.welovefine.com
Give Kids The World
Recognized as the highest rated charity in America by personal finance site MainStreet, and also reported by MSN Money, Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) is a 70-acre, non-profit resort in Central Florida that creates magical memories for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. GKTW provides accommodations at its whimsical resort, donated attractions tickets, meals and more for a week long, cost-free fantasy vacation. With the help of many generous individuals, corporations and partnering wish-granting organizations, Give Kids The World has welcomed more than 115,000 families from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. For more information about GKTW and its mission, visit givekidstheworld.org <http://givekidstheworld.org> .
New York Art Department
New York Art Department is a cultural production studio founded by Arnaud Delecolle and Rob Cristofaro. New York Art Department’s mission is to curate, produce and promote emerging, cutting-edge cultural content. Deeply rooted and actively engaged in NYC’s creative community, NYAD’s relationship with featured talent is of a collaborative nature. It is a rare position of trust and respect: One that we cherish and protect. Our defining keywords are #creativity, #originality, #quality, #authenticity, #substance, #commitment and #honesty. www.newyorkartdepartment.org <http://www.newyorkartdepartment.org> | @NYArtDepartment
The Hester
The Hester is developed, curated and produced by Hester Street Fair, NYC’s favorite outdoor community market on the Lower East Side. Specializing in unique handmade goods and artisanal food, the Hester Street Fair is a new hybrid incubator and launching pad for small, independent businesses and artists. Created by The Big Social team of Ron Castellano, SuChin Pak, Adam Zeller, and Suhyun Pak, hundreds of vendors rotate over 60 spots every Saturday at The Hester Street Fair to create one of the most dynamic outdoor events in New York City.
Eventi Hotel
Eventi Hotel is a Kimpton Hotel featuring distinctive design and outstanding service and amenities. From warm hospitality to eco-friendly amenities, this Manhattan hotel cares for its guests as well as for the planet. This four-star luxury hotel offers personalized attention and thoughtful services and pampers you in style. San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotel & Restaurants is a leading collection of boutique hotels throughout the United States and Canada. Every Kimpton hotel reflects the energy, personality and pulse of its
location, history and architectural style. Visit www.eventihotel.com <http://www.eventihotel.com> for more information.
According to Pantone’s Spring 2013 Fashion Color Report, next spring is all about combining different colors as an expression of balance.
Image source: pantone.com
The palette is a combination of three themes: balancing novel neutrals, balancing lights and brights, and using color and clothing as a means of self-expression. Taking cues from nature, subtle pastel blues and greens are the new neutrals as they mimic natural’s background colors while bright warm oranges and yellows resonate that of flowers and fruits in a garden.
Monique Lhuillier SS 2013 Image source: Fabsugar.com.au
This color report along with trends noticed from NYFW, expect a Spring filled with balanced graphic prints mixed with not-so-typical nudes paired with soft subdued makeup like we saw from Bagdley Mischka and Monique Lhuillier. Think feminine, subdued, but colorful and whimsical, as if girls were frolicking in a garden.
Dusk Blue – A blue that’s reminiscent of the serenity felt during that time of day when the world is quieting down
Grayed Jade – A green with strong gray undertones to provide a calming and neutralizing influence
Linen – A “Nude-Like” color with a light diaphanous, airy feeling
Emerald – A clear, sparkly color that acts as a grounding color
African Violet – An exotic violet that can be combined in whimsical and unexpected way
Nectarine – A strong warm coral orange that’s flattering on many complexions
Poppy Red – An exuberant red that truly pops
Lemon Zest – A sunny zesty yellow that cheers us up and reminds us of the sun
Tender Shoots – A lively green that balances off other colors on the palette
Monaco Blue – A heightened, brightened, cheerful blue that’s also calming. The “anchor color” that ties together the palette.
For the full report, visit pantone.com.
Dying to meet celebrity hairstylist Sally Hershberger and a free hair consultation from her team but can’t get an appointment at her salon?
Now’s your chance!
Stop by Duane Reade (my favorite store in NYC!!! OBSESSED!) on York Ave and 79th St this Thursday, October 11, from 5:30-7:30 pm for Style Night Out. Yes, you’ll get to meet the woman who popularized the shag, AKA the “Sally Shag”!
On top of meeting Sally Hershberger, you’ll also get a free full-size Keratin Spray by Sally Hershberger Professional Hair Care, a consultation by top NYC-stylists, and a chance to win a makeover for 2! Yes, free!! Do you know how major that is? Sally Hershberger charges $800 for one haircut. $800!! You’ll get that for free if you win!!!
You know where I’ll be this Thursday.
Want to hold on to that natural sun-kissed glow you sported all summer long despite not seeing the sun in weeks? Easy!
Coterie.com is offering an exclusive “Best of Stila” 4-piece bronzing collection from Stila for only $60 starting today. The collection includes:
Coterie features a perfectly manicured selection of exclusive offers from the most beloved beauty brands. In collaboration with top makeup artists, stylists and industry trendsetters, Coterie provides the woman-on-the-go everything she needs to know, all in one place.
It’s not a secret that I’ve been hustling the streets of New York the past few months searching for the perfect job. Yes, it’s challenging and testing, but I must believe in my inner strength to continue the search. I didn’t move 3000 miles just to give up!
When it comes to business-casual apparel, my wardrobe is actually quite limited. Up til now I haven’t interviewed seriously anywhere since I graduated 5 years ago. I’ve also worked in a laid back environment both as a lab tech and as a blogger. Yes, I do dress up for events and what not as a blogger, but aside from a handful of dresses, I really don’t have a lot of interview-appropriate clothes or shoes!
But never fear, Avon came to the rescue! Though mostly known for their beauty products, Avon actually offers an amazing fashion line filled with great basics that’s flattering and versatile. From dresses to shoes, you can easily and affordably pick out a great interview-appropriate outfit.
Case to point:
The Define Your Shape Dress ($39.99)
image source: avon.com
Fake an hourglass figure with the Define Your Shape dress. Wear it alone for a casual look or pair it with a blazer for an understated but still chic outfit.
The Ultimate Pump ($39.99)
image source: avon.com
Not only is a patent black pump the most versatile shoe ever, this Ultimate Pump is the most comfortable pair of heels ever. It’s lined with the Cushion Walk® sole, which feels like you’re walking on clouds. Way better and more comfortable than any Dr. Scholl gel insert!
Since I was lucky enough to get 2 sets of these from Avon, I’m giving away both the Define Your Shape dress and the Ultimate Pump. One lucky winner will get the Define Your Shape dress in size L while a second lucky winner will get the Ultimate Pump in size 7.
Choose any or all of the following methods to enter and input your entry via the Rafflecopter widget:
- Comment on my blog,
- Follow me @GloriaYang on Twitter and tweet me using the hashtag #AvonGiveaway,
- or Like my fanpage Beyond Beauty by Gloria on Facebook.
Contest ends at 12 am on 10/16 and winners will be announced right here on 10/17. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is picked.
Good luck!!
Contributing blogger Andrea (@AndreasCorner) writes:
My adventures with store-bought hair color began with a giggle-worthy orange-rust shade in 7th grade. Since then, I’ve gone from burgundy to light brown to almost-black, but blonde always made me nervous.
As a Southern California native, blonde should have come easily to me. But I’d only gone blonde once, and the shade I selected from the drug store was ill-advised and far too light. When I look at those pictures, I don’t giggle. I cringe.
Inside Kriza Salon
In the height of a hot L.A. summer that still isn’t letting up, it seemed like the perfect time to give blonde a second chance – this time with professional help. And what better place for a girl to go blonde than Kriza Salon Spa, an Aveda salon located in Studio City, right in the midst of The Valley. Instead of cringe-worthy washed out locks, I finally got the beachy laid-back blonde that’s just so California.
Relaxing at the salon!
The Kriza girls had a tough job when I walked in. My hair – as usual – had several layers of old color on it, including months-old highlights and about 2 inches of roots. I sheepishly came into my consultation with Cassie, the colorist, with hopes to cover it quickly with a single process. Since I’m usually putting darker color on my hair, this has always worked for me. But Cassie explained that color can’t lift color, only deposit color. So to get something more natural, she opted to first match my roots to the rest of my hair color, then add partial highlights to brighten everything using Aveda’s new Full Spectrum Protective Permanent Crème Hair Color.
Image source: Aveda
On top of being 96% natural and designed for ultimate shine and conditioning, the new Full Spectrum Protective Permanent Crème Hair Color is allows Aveda colorists to truly customize colors like never before.
“Full Spectrum Protective Permanent Crème Color gives hair color artists carte blanche to customize color using powerful, vibrant pigments that they can completely control to get soft, natural color or bold, intense results,” says Wendy Prior, Director of Professional Hair Care at Aveda.
Image source: Aveda
Whether clients are looking for bright edgy fashion hues (Pure Pigments), perfect blondes (New Pastel Tones combined with new Extra Lifting Crème), vibrant reds and coppers (Red Series), or natural grey coverage (Natural Series), it’s all available and easily customizable for colorists.
“Aveda’s new Pure Pigments allow hair colorists to become true hair color artisans,” says Ian Michael Black, Aveda Color Director for North America. “The primary and secondary hues are everything I need to create the perfect blend of level and tone to give every guest the most balanced and true-to-tone hair color possible.”
Image source: Aveda
After rinsing out my color, I met with Lily, the stylist, to discuss my haircut. Luckily Lily talked me out of cutting off 3 inches – instead she gave me some long layers, concealing my grown-out bangs while keeping most of my length. To fully reveal my new color and cut, Lily blew out my hair while teaching me to style my front layers so they looked like something more than just long bangs. Plus I was so excited to see my new California blonde as it dried!
Image source: Aveda
At the end of the service, Kriza had one more trick up its sleeve – a makeup consultation and touch-up! I’ve tried Aveda products and found them alright, but I tried a bunch of new products and went home with a list of everything the makeup artist used. I was most impressed with the Aveda Nourish-mint Lip formulas ($16 USD), which are infused with plant and fruit waxes to smooth fine lines, hydrate, and plump lips. They were natural-looking, highly pigmented, long-lasting, and most importantly, not sticky.
I went home with one of my go-to Aveda products in tow — Color Conditioner in Camomile ($18). I became hooked on Aveda’s Color Conditioners when I was a redhead; the Madder Root formula deposits just enough bright red pigment to keep my hair from fading between visits to the salon. The Camomile formula does the same thing for my golden blonde – depositing a bright yellow pigment that keeps it looking warm and fresh.
Finished look! What do you think?
After a day of pampering and looking oh so gorgeous with a fabulous new blonde hair and a fresh face of makeup, what else is a California girl supposed to do? Head off to LA’s trendiest burger joint, Umami Burger, of course!
If you want to try a new look, trust the girls at Kriza and the products by Aveda to deliver something even better than what you imagined. It was such a great experience; I’d actually go all the way back to the Valley to see them again.
*Disclaimer: Services were comped for the purpose of the review. All opinions are that of the reviewer.
Last week I got to hang out with Caress Fabulistas and other fab fashion and beauty bloggers to learn more about new additions to the Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash: Passionate Spell, a passion fruit and orange mix, and Endless Kiss, a creamy vanilla sandalwood scent.
Watch the entire Livestream below! (And yes, I’m actually using this post to play with the new embed function on WordPress. I can actually embed tweets! AND YOU can directly reply/retweet it from this blog post. How cool is that?)
I uploaded a @youtube video youtu.be/ildy4e0Z7yY?a Scoop on Fall Trends with Caress Fabulistas
— Gloria Yang(@GloriaYangBB) October 6, 2012
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