FashionIndie » BEAUTY

#NYFW Beauty Trend: Gothic Lips

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:30:18 +0000

Bright red lips are an obvious trend for Fall 2012 – we’ve literally been seeing them at every other show. But a bit more brooding and certainly a big statement, gothic lips are going to be huge come the changing of the leaves. Whether dark red or teetering on the purple side, a shadowy pout can work for both day and night. Click to see the trend gallery after the jump.

All photos from Style.com.

#NYFW Hair Trend: The Center Part

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:30:44 +0000

Whether straight or wavy; slick or tousled; loose, worn up or in a low pony, one thing is for certain: the center part is here in full force for Fall 2012. Bang-less models stormed the New York Fashion Week runways with hair framing the face evenly on either side, a super low-maintence look for the season. Check out our trend gallery after the jump.

All photos via Style.com.

10 Terrific Red Lipsticks, Just in Time for Valentine’s Day

Amanda Gabriele — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:28:44 +0000

Whether you’re ready or not, Valentine’s Day is only three days away. No matter if you’re doing it up big or making it low key at home, one thing is for certain: a red lip is all together classic, sexy and totally chic. Here are our 10 favorite red lipsticks, just in time for the holiday.

Look of the Day: Hatin’ on Valentine’s Day

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:30:10 +0000

Some people love it, some people don’t, and that’s just the way it is. While some may be preparing for Valentine’s Day with candy and flowers, we know many smokin’ single ladies out there are getting ready with spikes and black eyeliner. For all of you stoic anti-Valentines out there, this Look of the Day is for you.

Click on each item in the image below to see more information and additional photos!

Black Dresses by Boulee
Platforms by Christian Louboutin

Clockwise from top left:

Ward off predators and unworthy dates with a wrist full of spikes. Eddie Borgo Agate Cone Bracelet, $650

The best way to say “I don’t give a sh*t” is with sexy black asymmetries. Boulee Cutout Scuba Dress, $195

Draw on a thick line and take the night by storm. Benefit Cosmetics BADgal Waterproof Liner, $20

This deep purple hue will only attract the brave into your presence. MAC Lipstick in Rebel, $14.50

The perfect everyday ring, you can enjoy this one all the year through. Mawi Cygnet Cocktail Ring with Spike, $558

Step into 1970s French glamour, a secret you can keep or share. Agent Provocateur Bubbles Brief, $250

Walk high above everyone else in 5.5 inches and deadly spiked toes. Christian Louboutin Asteroid 140 Suede & Patent-Leather Pumps, $1,595

Death to all the mushy mush and long live McQueen. Alexander McQueen Skull Handbag, $1,775

The Most Incredible Fake Eyelashes You’ll Ever See

Samantha Lim — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:48:31 +0000

We are obsessed with these paper eyelashes by Paperself. Check out this insane gallery of intricate lashes and how to get them.

Launched in 2009 by London based designer Chunwei Liao, Paperself is a collective built for exploring what boundaries can really be pushed in paper product design. More than just your average crazy eyelash designer, Paperself brings together furnitire, homeware, and accessories all in junction with eco-conscious living. Flip through our gallery of crazy lashes and click here to pick up a pair for yourself.

Head To Barney’s For Their Valentine’s Day Beauty Swag Bag!

Samantha Lim — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:17:39 +0000

Leave it to Barney’s to make being single on Valentine’s Day a good excuse to go shopping and spend the day pampering yourself. When you spend $200 (or more, which frankly, how can you not when you’re in that store?) from February 9 – 11, you’ll get a swag bag full 33 of their best beauty samples. We road tested them ourselves and here’s what we thought:

Our favorite products that will be in your goodie bag are:

1. The adorable little jar of Cle De Peau, whose mommy size retails at $250 a pop, is super luxe and this little bit is yours for free!

2. Buon Amici Tuscan Olive Oil infused restorative hand cream. For only $38 it is so luxe in its smell and feel that it makes you scream “I am a rich woman in my Park Avenue apartment and I have wonderful hands!”. (Bonus: Your bag will also include body cream and body wash so you have can that rich lady effect all over).

3. Hourglass Film Noir mascara super soft, super pliable full spectrum mascara will lengthen, volumize, and condition your little lashes for a fresh faced start to your day.

4. Sue Devitt fortifying primer goes on smooth, building a perfect palette for your makeup to last all day.

5. Koh Gen Do is a magical face powder that moisturizers, protects, and shrinks your pores! The bag provides you with a sample that will last a few days giving you a magical week long luster.

These 5 products alone make the bag totally worth it, let alone the other 20 something wonderfuls you’ll get along with them. So, if you’re craving a beauty treat be sure to head to Barney’s, pick up a quick piece of oh say, Isabel Marant, grab your goody bag and make this Valentine’s Day the sweetest ever!

Cecilia Wong’s 7-Day Guide to Glowing Skin

Amanda Gabriele — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:16:30 +0000

New York Fashion Week is right around the corner, and everyone, naturally, wants to put their best face forward. With so many products and skin care regimens floating around in the beauty world, it’s difficult to find a routine and formula that works best for you. Lucky for you, we caught up with skincare expert Cecilia Wong - a well-being guru who founded both a skincare line and salon in NYC – to rack her brain about how organic products can make all the difference when it comes to a daily regimen. Follow her 7-Day Guide to Glowing Skin, and you may not even recognize yourself you’ll look so radiant.

7 days before (and every day leading up to): Make time to juice. Juicing helps cleanse toxins from the body and skin, so find a recipe, head to the store, buy fresh fruits and vegetables, juice them and drink up! By Fashion Week your skin will glow. My favorite recipe is: 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of blackberries, an apple, a slice of ginger, handful of spinach, 1 cup of kale, 1 beet, honey (if needed to sweeten), crushed ice, add water or raw cranberry juice after blended.

5 days before: Hydrate those cells! Before bedtime, apply a hydrating, vitamin-rich mask. It’ll give your skin an extra boost of vitamins and nutrients, integral components to beautiful skin. Select a natural (organic, if possible!) mask, cleanse skin and apply to face, avoiding eyes and lips. Leave on until dry, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Don’t forget to use a facial oil and moisturizer afterwards.

Our Four Favorite Moisturizers to Nourish Dry Winter Skin

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:30:36 +0000

If you live in New York – or any city with old buildings for that matter – and inhabit an apartment that uses dry steam heat, your skin is most likely irritated every day in the cold weather months. But even if you’re only battling the elements rather than old-fashioned contraptions, you’re probably suffering from dry, flaky, itchy skin that both looks and feels uncomfortable. But not to fear, FashionIndie is here with our four favorite moisturizers that will leave you with nothing but soft and supple skin everyone will envy.

How To Master the Newsprint Manicure

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:15:37 +0000

We’re always browsing the net for the newest nail trends, and we stumble upon a ton of cool ideas. But newsprint nails seem to be a favorite as of late – even the adorable girls at Zooey Deschanel‘s website Hello Giggles are jumping on the trend. Contributor and co-founder Molly McAleer tested out this cutesy manicure and posted an adorable how-to of the process. We’ve recapped it here for your DIY pleasure.

Look of the Day: Vixen Valentine

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:40:10 +0000

Tomorrow is February which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. No matter your plans – whether you love, hate or are a slave to Fashion Week – we have an outfit you’ll love. A new look will be unveiled each day this week in FashionIndie’s Look of the Day. Today: Vixen Valentine.

Remember to click on each individual product to see more images.

Cocktail Dresses by Herve Leger
Sandals by Christian Louboutin

Clockwise from middle:

Herve Leger Crossfront Bandage Dress, $1,050 – Kisses your curves in all the right places

Lancôme Rouge in Love Lipstick in Sequence of Love, $25 – A blood red lip is difficult to forget

Daphne Guinness for MAC Nail Lacquer in Blueblood, $15 – Sexy and mysterious, just like you child

Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity Panama Patterned Raffia Shoulder Bag, $895 – Every vixen needs animal print in her life

Christian Louboutin Suede and Leather Criss-Cross Colorblock Sandals, $995 – The perfect pair for this dress, not too neutral and not too red

Gucci ‘Guilty Intense’ Eau de Parfum, $87 – Spicy, seductive notes will keep him lingering

Shu Uemura Farfallina False Eyelashes, $29 – Bat your eyes and let these lashes do the rest

Beth Ditto for MAC Cosmetics

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:10:36 +0000

The Gossip girl is the newest face for MAC Cosmetics. And half that face is painted on her hand. The makeup giant has tapped Beth Ditto to create a limited edition range of products set to hit stores in June.

Ditto’s currently in Paris for couture week where she confessed that Jean Paul Gaultier‘s Amy Winehouse-inspired collection almost made her cry and gave her chills — in a good way. While in the City of Lights, the singer will attend a fancy shmancy dinner to celebrate the cosmetic collaboration as the special guest of Estée Lauder group president and MAC AIDS Fund chairman John Demsey and MAC global president Karen Buglisi. [WWD]

Look of the Day: Academy Awards 2012

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:19:43 +0000

The 2012 Oscar Nominations were released today, and, as usual, I’m half way to underwhelmed. But then I began to think of the red carpet and all the praising and bashing opportunities it will bring. And since our invitations here at FashionIndie always seem to get lost in the mail, I took the liberty of putting together a 2012 Academy Awards outfit for myself. Love it or hate it in the Look of the Day.

Evening Dresses by Donna Karan
Sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti

Clockwise from middle (click on above photo to buy):

Donna Karan Applique and Wood-Embroidered Gown, $10,000

Laura Mercier Limited Edition Petite Smokey Eye Color Trio, $25

Tasha Caged Minaudière, $88

Giuseppe Zanotti 120mm Silk and Swarovski Sandals, $1,295

Estée Lauder ‘Pure Color’ Velvet Lipstick in Red Velvet, $24

Effy Collection 14k Rose Gold and Diamond Ring, $2,280

Samira 13 Silver Earrings, $3,687

INDIE REWIND: Outrageous Nail Art

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:15:20 +0000

From no-chip gel polish to snakeskin manicures, nail art becomes more extravagant with each passing month. Whether you’re a Minx girl or like some good ole’ fashion Milani glitter polish, it’s easy to glam those nails in no time at all. But what about the bold, beautiful and absolutely insane nail art out there that hardly ever gets noticed? We have everything from the tame to alarming in our fun summer nail art gallery after the jump.

Yes that is coral, replacing the need for a fork, spork, chopsticks or eating utensil of any kind.

Photo: FLBL

5 Steps to a Style Icon: Sophia Loren

Amanda Gabriele — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:17:28 +0000

It’s the weekend, which means it’s time for 5 Steps to a Style Icon. Today we celebrate Italian actress and professional seductress Sophia Loren. The Oscar/Grammy/Golden Globe Award winner stole our hearts in films like The Millionaires, Two Women and Marriage Italian-Style with her talent and stunning looks. How can you master her alluring sense of style and beauty? We’ll show you in five steps.

Sh*t Fashion Girls Say Fishtail Braid

Jessica Lapidos — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:38:47 +0000

If you haven’t seen Sh*t Fashion Girls Say (seriously the funniest Sh*t Girls Say spoof yet), stop reading right now, look below this paragraph, and watch. I’ll wait… AND you’re back! Totes obsessed!!! Since I’m nowhere near ready for bangs, I decided to go for the Americana yachting native look and teach you kids a thing or two about how to make a fishtail braid. Because Fashion Girl had a real braid in her hair… not a fishtail.

I can’t help you get that full bear beard, but I can help you reel in the real fishtail. Now, if you’re wearing Tory Burch flats, get out of my face. Thank you.

Music: California by Diego Paulo.

And if I didn’t give you enough details, here’s a excruciatingly slow fishtail tutorial by Lauren Conrad:

Regal and Classy: How To Rock The 5 Minute Editor In Chic Hairdo

Nicole Vardo — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:44:34 +0000

As an editor you’re beyond busy, you live, love, breathe, and every other feeling in between your job. So today it’s all about the best and easiest hair perks aka how to rock the slicked back ponytail. We used FashionIndie’s editor in chief @iamsamlim to show you exactly how this look works and used a couple of celebrities rocking this look for a bit of inspiration. From Kim Kardashian to Miranda Kerr the madness all after the jump.

Liquid Confidence: How To Futuristically Fade Your Nails

Nicole Vardo — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:41:45 +0000

It’s time to spike things up on your finger tips! It’s the easiest trick, we’re taking the ombre nail art trend to a different level. It only requires three different shades of your favorite nail polish colors, and a triangular makeup sponge. If you woke up on the wicked side of life today, try this futuristic fade with neon colors. Check out how FashionIndie’s mani came out after the jump, we used Bon Bon’s minature collection and Bikini from Pure Ice (sounds seductive, we know.)

InFAUXmercial Must-See: Fotoshop by Adobé

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:12:22 +0000

Maybe she’s born with it? No freaking way. Odds are, which ever celeb you’re looking at has been treated with the fashion industry’s most highly prescribed and trusted beauty product: Fotoshop by Adobé. This (totally fake) infomercial for the beauty fix-all is hilarious, informative and slightly disturbing. Call now and you get the Spot Healing Brush, Hue/Saturation and Liquefy tools absolutely free!

So which makes more sense? Banning celebs that use too much photoshop? Or equalizing the playing field with everyone’s now-photoshopped Facebook profile?

Look of the Day: Betty Draper

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:44:26 +0000

Love her or hate her, one thing is for certain – we all want a wardrobe like Betty Draper. With a cinched waist, cat eye shades, pearls and pink everything, it’s easy to master her fashionably feminine demeanor. Teleport back to the 1960s with our Look of the Day.

Day Dresses by Zac Posen
Pumps by Miu Miu

Under a Cool $25: Color Me Dior!

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:12:08 +0000

Let your fingers do the walking. For under $25 you can own Dior at the tip of your touch. Each color in this collection is strong, powerful enough for the transition from now till April. The application is rich, and it makes any outfit a polished look. Each bottle is $22 at Sephora, so you can color yourself Christian Dior for many months to come.

A bold color like the deep glistening blue, Tuxedo, or matte, Blue Label 997 will keep your dark side prowling.

The deep blue green, Nirvana 704, calls for more of a calm outcry, and the Perfecto is suited for a subtle gray.

And since we know the Dior team is kind of crazy, the Psychedelic Orange 545 is truly a head trip.

5 Steps to a Style Icon: Brigitte Bardot

Amanda Gabriele — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:55:42 +0000

It’s the weekend, which means it’s time for 5 Steps to a Style Icon. Today we’re looking at a French actress who became the sex symbol of the 1960s with her long blond hair, smokey eyes and seductive gap-tooth smile. Want to know how to get Brigitte Bardot‘s effortlessly seductive look? We’ll teach you in five easy steps.

The Before And After: How To Wickedly Free Your Mane

Nicole Vardo — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:41:59 +0000

As a beauty obsession enthusiast you know how important it is to stay on top of discovering the latest in new products on the market, especially the ones who major in au natural hair products! Free Your Mane (which on a scale of one to ten is a total eleven) is made with the specialty of Boabab oil and all the products are made free of mineral oil, petrolatum, sulfate, phthalates and paraben, so your health is never sacrificed for beauty’s sake. On a plus side, Baobab Oil is from none other than Africa, which delivers up to eight times its weight in moisture, and anti-oxidant rich Pomegranate Seed Oil. After getting the opportunity to try out these products on my ridiculously curly hair I used the Hydrating Hair Masque ($20), Reviving Spray ($15), Sulfate Free Shampoo ($16), and the Conditioning Pomade ($16) and finished my straight look with the Baobab restorative oil ($25). Check out my before and after looks after the jump!

4 Eye Creams With a Technical Touch

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:00:48 +0000

We stay out late, we drink a lot and basically put our skin through the ringer. Mornings become filled with de-puffing and dark-circle combating. But with the latest and greatest in scientific skin care, we can have our martinis and look good too. These 4 eye care creams not only make us look wide-eyed and gorgeous day-to-day, but their technical ingredients deliver the anti-aging results we (will) all crave.

How To Master the Tousled Ponytail

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:05 +0000

We all have days when we look in the mirror and realized a haircut is long overdue. Rather than spending hours working to get your hair up into a fancy updo of yore, wouldn’t you like a style both easy and on trend to have in your back pocket? Enter the tousled ponytail, a casually chic look seen on the red carpet from Blake Lively to Emma Roberts and beyond. Click through to see how you can master this look yourself in just four simple steps. Guaranteed, you’ll want to wear it even when that mane is in tip-top shape.

Extreme Beauty: Colossal Beehives

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:07:44 +0000

The beehive - just about as much fun you can have with a hairstyle since the days of Marie Antoinette. From the women of Mad Men to the late, great Amy Winehouse, this up-do is certainly a tall order… and we could never get enough. Today’s extreme beauty is a tribute to those larger-than-life beehives – the square, the braided, the striped and everything in between.

Eye Spy Vibrant Jewel Tones: Bright Liners & How to Wear Them

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:50:56 +0000

It’s time to brighten your outlook, boys and girls, because winter isn’t getting any shorter. Do away with your smokey palette for once and take a turn for the rainbow. A little frightened to jump head first into bright colors? Jewel tone eyeliners are bold without being over-the-top, and they have been everywhere as of late. Here are four of our favorite hues to play with, how to wear them and what they’ll do for your eye color.

Shameless: The Hair Saving Magnetic Pin Bracelet

Nicole Vardo — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 22:55:38 +0000

In honor of all the tech savvy fashion babies out there who wonder where all the bobby pins in the world runaway to, Ricky’s NYC has once again come to the rescue for the generation of innovation with the Magnetic Pin Bracelet ($14). Perhaps not the safest accessory to rock around the city but definitely a nice time saver to keep around your beautiful chateau! (not to mention not having to buy these little creeps every two days.)

And just in case that wasn’t enough inspiration to go out into the night and rock a grungy ballerina bun, here’s some eye candy that will surely do the trick!

5 Tech-Worthy Skin Savers to Fight Winter Beauty Blues

Amanda Gabriele — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:52 +0000

As we dive head first into Tech Month at FashionIndie, a month which has been utterly freezing so far, we’re reflecting on all the products that have and will continue to make our lives easier in 2012. Winter is a time for layering and attempting to save our skin from the harsh, ravaging sub-zero temperatures that wreak havoc on our beauty routines. Luckily, modern technology has made some vast skincare regimen improvements, and now is the time to relish in their wonders. The best part? You don’t have to leave your warm apartment to use these 5 tech-worthy skin savers.

Beauty Vixen: The 16 Resolutions To Live By

Nicole Vardo — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:47:53 +0000

It might be considered a little too late to create a New Year’s resolution, but in a perfect world where good things happen, it’s never too late to change for the better. Especially when talking beauty. And so, I went on a mission through my favorite beauty blogs to discover for you beauty babies out there what to focus on this year to be extra wicked and golden for 2012!

Nail Sticker Roundup: Our Top 5 Favorites

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:41:31 +0000

How can you get a gorgeous, DIY manicure at home with zero drying time? The answer is fast, easy and extremely affordable, even for you beauty mavens on a tight, NYC primping budget. You’ve probably tried this fingertip trend before but may not be aware of all the great brands out there. Here is a roundup of the 5 best nail polish stickers out there – make it a resolution to try them all in 2012.

Emma Watson “in Love” with Lancôme

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:55:33 +0000

Actress, rising style star and noted girl crush Emma Watson gets back in the Lancôme saddle, fronting the new campaign for the cosmetic giant’s “Rouge in Love” collection, shot by Mario Testino.

In a pose strikingly similar to her July Vogue cover, also shot by Testino, Watson nevertheless looks fresh and fabulous. But more than just a pretty face, the enterprising Watson also provided her own input on the “Rouge in Love” line’s 24 shades, which will be hitting stores in February. [Telegraph]

Extreme Beauty: Outrageous False Eyelashes

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:00:17 +0000

Everyone knows mascara is a girl’s best friend, so it’s no secret that adding a little length to your eyelashes makes a world of a difference. When it comes to falsies, there are the natural, that may fool some, and the extreme – those beautifully bedazzled and feathers styles that will fool no one. We obviously love outrageous, theatrical beauty here at FashionIndie, so the faker the better when it comes to lashes. Here are some of the craziest, most flamboyant pairs we’ve seen.

New Year, New ‘Do: Kim Kardashian Got Bangs

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:44:59 +0000

Kim Kardashian rang in the year 2012 with a bang, and we are talking about her hair. The recent divorcé celebrated New Year’s Eve at Tao Las Vegas with newly cut fringe and a hefty paycheck – she reportedly made $600,000 just for attending the party. Though all this information makes me incredibly nauseous, I must say the bangs suit her. She went from banging Kris Humphries to banging herself on NYE and hey, I guess she looks pretty good.

[Huffington Post]

Even Elephants are Getting Pedicures for NYE

Amanda Gabriele — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 19:27:42 +0000

Okay, so maybe these elephants weren’t getting their nails did for New Year’s Eve per se, but they did get all dolled-up in Nepal for a three-day, elephant-themed festival. Bright colors were lacquered on their tootsies with a paintbrush as bright, beautiful designs were drawn on their faces. The festival was held to encourage Nepal tourism and raise awareness about preservation efforts. It included such events like an elephant beauty pageant, elephant soccer and elephant races. But we’re more interested in the types of nail art that could happen with toenails this big! See photos after the jump.

Images via Huffington Post

Maybe She’s Born with It, Maybe It’s Maybelline’s Limited Edition 2012 Calendar

Lester Brathwaite — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:22:11 +0000

2012 may only be a few tantalizing hours away, but it’s already looking like one stunner of a year. Maybelline New York adds an extra dose of glamour to the New Year with its limited edition 2012 calendar, starring the brand’s beauties-in-residence Jessica White, Shu-Pei Quin, Erin Wasson, Emily DiDonato, Kemp Muhl, Julia Stegner and Lisalla Montenegro.

Crowned: 3 Wicked Hair How To’s For New Year’s Eve

Nicole Vardo — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:54:38 +0000

As the countdown for the New Year begins, and the outfit planning gets chaotic, you could really use any beauty tips and ideas for this special day where everything is about a fresh start, new looks, and a new wardrobe. So, thanks to London born Kris Sorbie the Education Artistic Director at Redken 5th Ave,she has shared with FashionIndie three speacial how-to’s for the perfect New Year’s Eve hair!

Great for naturally curly hair

1. Start with clean, dry hair in its naturally curly state. Divide it into 3 areas; the back and each side.

2. Take the back; hold it lightly as though making a ponytail without any tension so the curls remain intact. From the ends roll it up into an upward roll, pin into place through the middle of the roll.

3. Now take one side, drape it backwards and roll it up in the same way to meet the roll in the back and pin to secure.

4. Do the same on the opposite side.

5. Finish with hairspray to hold.

A very ‘in the moment look’ inspired by ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

If the hair is fine it can be crimped to add texture and volume.

1. Start with clean damp hair, apply Redken Guts 10 to the roots, then with your head upside down blast dry to create as much volume as possible at the top of the head.

2. When completely dry and still upside down make a ponytail and secure with an elastic band.

3. Now lift the head, tease the hair with a wide tooth comb to create an ‘airy’ texture and add a little Redken Powder Grip 03 if your hair is very fine.

4.Form a round loose bun, pin into place and finish with hairspray to hold

A looped-under ponytail

An elegant look with an equestrian feel. A little teased volume and a few loose strands around the face add softness.

1. Start with clean hair. If your hair is damaged or frizzy in texture, use a smoothing styling cream balm like Redken Outshine 01. Apply to dampened hair, then blow-dry it straight.

2. Part the hair in the middle and pull it into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck. If your hair is fine, you can tease it a little or puff in some Redken Powder Grip 03 for more volume at the crown then spray it with hairspray to hold it.

3. Loop the length of the ponytail under and secure with an elastic band keeping one small section free. Using the fingers, mold the shape of the looped ponytail into a neat triangular shape.

4. Wrap the loose section of hair around the base of the ponytail, covering the elastic. Pin it in place.

5.Smooth the entire surface with Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil or to give a natural looking shine and finish with hairspray to hold.

You can find more hair how to’s at www.KrisSorbie.com

Extreme Glitter Makeup: Inspiration for a Rockin’ NYE

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:00:38 +0000

New Year’s Eve is all about sparkle, from the dresses we wear to the champagne we’re drinking and the disco ball spinning above the dance floor. If you’re a lover of razzle-dazzle makeup just like us, adding shimmering, metallic hues and loose glitter to your beauty routine on the big night is not a foreign concept. Even if these extreme glitter makeup looks are a little over-the-top for your taste, they are sure to inspire your glitzy beauty routine come next Saturday night. Gallery after the jump.

Photos via Elle.com GlitterBug Cosmetics and Eyeshadow Lipstick.

12 Days of Christmas: 12 Pairs of Tatas [NSFW]

Amanda Gabriele — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 19:10:06 +0000

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 12 pairs of tatas! It’s been a great year for topless editorial and no better time to celebrate our favorite snapshots than on the final day of the Christmas season. These ladies are celebrating in their birthday suits, and we love them for it. That’s right, even you Lindsay.

25 Days Of Gift Guides: Gift You Can Still Get On Xmas Eve

McArthur Joseph — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:55:20 +0000

Still haven’t finished all your Holiday shopping? Don’t be ashamed because we totally get it. For this reason we’ve compiled some great gifts that you can still get on Christmas Eve.

The Craziest Nails You Will Ever See

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:00:18 +0000

I stumbled across this post on nail art on MTV Style, and my first reaction was shock. Then it quickly changed to feeling amazed and creeped out. The images sprawl from Nailed: The History of Nail Culture and Dzine which showcases photographs from all over the world that capture local nail sculpture art. You’ll find everything from the history of nail art to each cultural expression with nails.

This nail art is clearly ridiculous. Who would have thought people could create such uniquely painted and decorated nails, actually don these nails without keeling over and flaunt them for all to see. Insane in the membrane!

This ridonkulous book is only available online exclusively through The Standard shops until February 2012. So if you want to give someone nightmares for the holiday, this book will do the trick. #creepedout

Article by Bluefly at FlyAndMighty.com.

Wanderlust: 12 Essentials For Airport Beauty

Nicole Vardo — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:33:54 +0000

As a professional jet setter, with your weekly trips to there and here, you should become accustomed to a few favorite things, all under $100 and all equally important to looking refreshed and beautiful after hours of flying high. And with the holidays a week away, now is the time to get that beauty kit started for your crazy travels.

1. Any form of Vitamin C (definitely recommend Berocca or Emergen-C) even if you’re not sick, it gives you a great amount of energy.

2. Face Mask and/or ear plugs for better sleep.

3. Cherry Chapstick so you don’t look like you’ve aged eighty years old walking out of the plane.

4. Travel size dewrinkling spray, unwrinkled clothing means happy clothing.

5. A mini touch up Chi hair iron (but try to rock an up do on travel days, it makes life easier.)

6. Colgate Wisps, enough said.

7. Travel size Evian water face mister will perk you up in seconds.

8. Hand sanitizer -can you just imagine how many people pass through any airport in a day?

9. A small makeup kit for touch ups on the go (powder, eyeliner, mascara) a natural look for days in the sky make looking refreshed easier.

10. The nail polish color of your day, chipped nails aren’t cute.

11. Rohto eye drops (get them in either cool or ice, the minty feel will make you look like you didn’t just wake up from a five hour nap.

12. Always remember an extra pair of clothing, just because you never know. (cardigan, shirt, jeans/leggings)

Also, don’t forget to buy travel size everything due to airport security.

Iris Apfel is the Hottest 90-Year-Old Ever

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:34:30 +0000

Iris Apfel, woman of a million garments and a thousand years, is the latest (and oldest) style icon to collaborate with M.A.C. for a collection. As you may imagine of the textile and interiors maven, the hues are vibrant, staying warm with variations on tangerine, fucsia and glowing red. The contrast lies in one deeply rich turquoise and a dusty mauve. At literally 90-years-old, she is one of the rare few aged ladies that has kept her wits, grace and impeccably wild style, and shows it on a full face. See the full Iris Apfel for M.A.C. collection here.

The 25 Days Of Gift Guides

McArthur Joseph — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:00:48 +0000

This past week we’ve started our traditional 25 Days of Gift Guides. We’ve given you gift ideas from everything for the budgestnista all the way to the picky boyfriend. Take a look back at the last week to make sure yo haven’t missed anything.

25 Days of Gift Guides: For the Beauty Maven

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:00:53 +0000

We all have a friend like her - hair done, nails done, everything did. She looks fabulous all the time and always knows which products work wonders. So what do you buy for a grooming expert like her? We have your back in our 25 days of gift guides. Today, gift guide for the beauty maven.

Beauty Indie: How To Rock A Casually Chic Pinup Look

Nicole Vardo — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:30:32 +0000

Here is your special indie guide to a more than simple 4 step look to try for any busy, sassy little frassy, that wants to rock an everyday pinup inspired beauty. It can be worn from daily office life to creeping the night, no matter what your wardrobe is that day. And so, here’s how Editor Amanda @CrystlMeatballs and I break it down for you.

Tweet me @nicolevardo for tips and tricks on how to get this look!

How To Master 60′s Mod Makeup in 5 Easy Steps

Nicole Vardo — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:58:30 +0000

As the holidays approach closer and closer every day, so does the swoon of exciting beauty and outfit ideas. And while going about usual Indie office activities, like looking through files and piles of magazine editorials, we fell in love with everything 60′s mod. After coming across a photo of the beautiful Christina Hendricks of Mad Men, Editor Amanda (@CrystlMeatballs) and I got to work to create the look in 5 simple steps.

Tweet me @nicolevardo for tips and tricks on how to best complete this look!

Sugar Lips: How To Make A Homemade Lip Plumper

Nicole Vardo — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:38:19 +0000

Let’s just say that not everyone is gifted with Angelina Jolie or Rosie Huntington Whitley status genes aka big plump lips! And although you could go to your local make up department in your town why not take the next two steps and six simple household ingredients to make your very own personalized lip plumper!

Things You Will Need:

Cinnamon leaf oil
Aquaphor
Liquid Niacin (Vitamin B3)
Liquid Vitamin B6
Liquid Cayenne pepper (aka “Capsician”)
Clove oil
A clean, empty lip gloss pot

1. Use Aquaphor as a base, or carrier, for the balm. Squeeze a decent amount of it into the pot and add five to six drops of cinnamon leaf oil to your base. Cinnamon leaf oil is responsible for the ‘burn’ that you feel, which in turn plumps up your lips.

2. Then, add all of the active ingredients. Mix in a few drops of liquid Niacin, or Vitamin B3, a few drops of liquid Vitamin B6, one drop of liquid cayenne pepper(be careful, a little goes a long way!), and clove oil. Mix thoroughly and boom!

Pretty Girls: 4 Special Hair Care Remedies

Nicole Vardo — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:17:03 +0000

Thanks to the beauty geniuses behind Marie Claire Magazine, we can now have a go to doctor for all things beauty. So, clearly most women refuse to give up the heat, torture, and damage that we purposely put our hair through on a daily. So I say if you can’t drop the tools, might as well just treat your hair to a nice remedy every now and there. Here are 4 DIY remedies, that consist of mostly everything you have in your kitchen.

1. Feed Your Head
“You can’t have full, bouncy hair without a healthy scalp,” says Goddard-Clark. To reduce excess oil, dampen a cotton ball with witch hazel, dab it along your hairline and part, and rinse hair with cool water. Fight flakes weekly by adding five drops of tea-tree oil to your favorite shampoo as a booster. Skip conditioner, though, and apply a detangler only to the ends of your hair — your scalp may be sensitive after this treatment.

2. Add Volume
Lifeless strands got you down? in a bowl, mix one egg yolk, a half cup of honey, two tablespoons of olive oil, and two small, ripe avocados. Apply the concoction to the entire head and leave on for one to two hours, until hard. Shampoo and condition as usual. “This is a miracle cure,” notes Goddard-Clark. “And for extra-bouncy, nonfrizzy curls, Drew Barrymore taught me to blot ringlets dry with paper towels.”

3. Boost Shine
“Dull, overstyled hair benefits from regular olive- or jojoba-oil masks,” explains Goddard-Clark. Starting at the roots, brush a quarter cup of natural oil (synthetic oils don’t work as well) through dry hair and leave it on for an hour. Blast the ends with a dryer for five minutes to help oil penetrate deeper. Skip the roots — the scalp emits enough warmth on its own, and applying extra heat could lead to greasy textures later.

4. Preserve Color
Minerals in the water system can cause brassiness for blondes and redheads. A quick fix? Mix a quarter cup of distilled white vinegar with a half cup of filtered water and pour it over hair before rinsing with cool water. Graying brunette beauties need to be careful, too. “Peroxide-based dyes give darker shades a reddish hue,” warns Goddard-Clark. Use a toothbrush to paint boxed dye over individual strands.

Link Love: Home Remedies for Hair by Marie Claire

Christmas Daze: 16 Holiday Nail Art Ideas

Nicole Vardo — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 20:51:02 +0000

I’m pretty sure that there are many nail art enthusiasts out there, you know the ones who must always plan their daily nail art with their outfits? As we all know with everyone in the holiday spirit and the count down for yet another gathering of love, we’ve put together 16 ideas of holiday nail art fun!

A New Kind of Vajazzling

Jessica Lapidos — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:00:07 +0000

In case your lube* wasn’t blingy enough, now it can be thanks to Project Runway alum Chris March (who may be best remembered for a collection of human hair and flair for dramatics of theatrical proportions and/or his current Bravo show, Mad Fashion). He’s designed a custom Vaseline jar encrusted with 50 Swarovski crystals. We call it: Vajazzline.

As in vajazzling.

Vaseline will be giving away 100 of these custom jars during a one day, flash giveaway on 12/19 at 8PM on their website, VaselineLipTherapy.com.

*Sex Ed 101: You don’t want any Vajazzline eating through the condom. Make sure you’ve got a water-based lube when using protection.